Written Answers Nos. 552-571
552. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of shared ownership loans that have resulted in repossession and the owner losing his or her home in each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [53201/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation in relation to local authority repossessions of properties that were financed using a local authority home loan and which are now either repossessed, voluntarily surrendered or abandoned is available on my Department’s website at the following link, under the heading “Local authority repossessions”; http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity.
This data is not broken down by loan type. My Department does not currently hold data on the number of homes purchased under the shared ownership scheme, which was stood down in 2011, that have subsequently been repossessed, voluntarily surrendered or abandoned.
My Department, together with the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and local authorities, have considered the affordability issues facing some borrowers, who purchased properties under the shared ownership scheme and devised a more affordable long-term path towards full home ownership. Indeed, a range of measures have already been undertaken to reduce the monthly payments of shared ownership borrowers.
The index linked shared ownership scheme, which operated from 1999 until 2002, has been revised with regard to the annual indexation of the rental equity balance and rental payments. The amendments, which came into effect on 1 July 2015, reduce the monthly cost for these borrowers and avoid rental equity balances increasing for the remaining term. My Department has issued directions to local authorities outlining the measures and I understand that these changes are being applied to individual loan accounts.
In addition, the variable mortgage interest rate charged to local authority borrowers was reduced to 2.3% with effect from 1 July 2016, which has helped many shared ownership borrowers.
An innovative shared ownership restructuring option has been available to shared ownership borrowers since 1 April 2016, and involves rolling-up all outstanding debt under a share ownership arrangement into a single annuity loan. The term of the annuity loan will be determined by the amount of the monthly repayment deemed to be affordable and sustainable for each shared ownership borrower. This restructuring option allows the borrower to have a regularised, restructured repayment solution, which is more easily understood. This arrangement may be of particular benefit to those shared ownership borrowers who are nearing the end of their annuity term but who have not made sufficient provision for the repayment of their rental equity balance. The feasibility of this new option for each shared ownership borrower will be determined by their local authority, and may not be appropriate in all cases. For example, in some instances, continuing with the current shared ownership arrangement may be the best option for both the shared ownership borrower and the local authority, or in other cases where the outstanding debt may not be sustainable for the borrower in the long-term, the Local Authority Mortgage to Rent (LAMTR) option might ultimately be the appropriate solution.
There is no obligation on any shared ownership borrower to restructure their loan arrangement and local authorities in implementing the restructuring option will direct shared ownership borrowers to seek financial and legal advice prior to accepting any offer of a restructuring option. The new Abhaile Service, accessed via MABS, can assist shared ownership borrowers who are in arrears to access free independent expert financial and legal advice. Full details of the supports offered by the Abhaile Service are available from https://www.mabs.ie/en/abhaile/. Under the restructuring option, where shared ownership borrowers require financial and legal advice outside of that provided via MABS, local authorities will arrange to pay the cost of these fees to a maximum of €1,000, excluding VAT. Detailed guidance, training and direction have been provided by my Department and the Housing Agency to local authorities regarding the implementation of the measure and my Department is continuing to monitor the impact of the new measure for borrowers.
Details on the measures available to borrowers with shared ownership arrangements are available from their local authority. Overall, local authority borrowers are encouraged to engage with their local authority at the earliest opportunity if they are having difficulties making the repayments on their shared ownership arrangement. Information in relation to the local authority mortgage arrears resolution process (MARP) and the help available to borrowers is also available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/mortgage-arrears/guidance-mortgage-arrears.
553. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sanctions that will be placed on a coursing club (details supplied) for allegedly contravening the terms of its licence by capturing wild hares with visible signs of ill health that were subsequently coursed and died; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52672/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the reports of National Parks and Wildlife Service officers of my Department in relation to coursing meetings monitored this year. All issues arising from such reports will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 coursing season.
554. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of hares dying at coursing clubs, per club, in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; if post mortems have been carried out in all cases; the number which had pre-existing conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52673/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFigures available to my Department from the Irish Coursing Club indicate that during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 hare coursing seasons the number of hares that died at coursing meetings was 36 and 26 respectively. Based on returns received by my Department to date from the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of its affiliated clubs and reports by officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, 13 hares have died at or subsequent to coursing meetings during the current 2017/18 season. The reports generated by the Irish Coursing Club and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, which would include information to identify the coursing clubs where hares died, are available on the website of the NPWS at www.npws.ie. Similar reports on the 2017/18 coursing season will be published on the NPWS website as they become available.
555. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for improving the monitoring and invigilation of coursing clubs in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department does not have resources to provide 100% attendance at coursing meetings, it endeavours to attend as many meetings as possible having regard to the various demands on its staffing complement. During the 2016/17 coursing season, conservation rangers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department attended seventeen coursing meetings and the same number of meetings was monitored during the 2015/16 season. It is my intention that a greater number of coursing events will be monitored during the 2017/18 season, which extends from the end of September 2017 to 28th February 2018, than in the previous season. During this season to date seventeen meetings have already been monitored by NPWS officials.
556. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has received a request for additional funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork in addition to the €12 million committed to by the Government; the process to assess such funding requests; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52983/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers is being developed and managed by Cork City Council and the Council is responsible for the delivery of the project.
My Department has allocated €12 million towards the cost of the project. This allocation is subject to a Service Level Agreement with the City Council to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements in relation to major capital projects.
On 27 September 2017, Cork City Council made an application to my Department for a further grant of €10 million to assist in the development of the project. There are complex legal, state aid and match funding issues to be considered in relation to this application and the Department is engaging with the City Council in relation to these.
557. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the checks and measures in place to prevent production companies from abusing financial incentives, namely the section 481 tax exemption and film board funding. [53046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. Matters relating to taxation fall under the remit of the Minister for Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
Production Companies seeking tax relief under Section 481 must have procedures in place to ensure compliance with all conditions. The Revenue Commissioners issue a certificate to a film project on the basis of the information supplied during the application process. Any material change in the information supplied that may arise as the project progresses must be notified to and agreed by the Revenue Commissioners. If the information on which the certificate is based is incorrect, misleading or incomplete, or Revenue is not notified of material changes to the production, the certificate may be revoked. Production companies must make books of account and accounting records available to the Revenue Commissioners and must furnish a compliance report.
The Irish Film Board make loans and grants to production companies. Funding agreements are subject to range of criteria and deliverables. Non-compliance can result in the withdrawal of and repayment of funding.
558. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consultations and correspondence between her Department, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland from 2015 to date on the proposed sale of the State's 33% shareholding in studios (details supplied) in view of the stated commitment by the Government to support the film industry in the mid-east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53048/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe facility to which the Deputy refers is owned by Enterprise Ireland in conjunction with other private entities. My colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation has responsibility for Enterprise Ireland.
I am aware of the issue and my Department has been in contact with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in relation to the matter. That Department has indicated that, at the appropriate time, any proposal requiring a decision on the sale of Enterprise Ireland’s shareholding would be reviewed by Enterprise Ireland from a commercial and legal perspective in consultation with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Innovation which, in turn, has confirmed that it will consult my Department on any decision regarding the ownership of the shareholding.
559. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will review the scheme of compensation for turf cutters to include the owners of turf banks who may not have cut turf for over ten years due to personal conditions such as health conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, administered by my Department, are that:
- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right) in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation or 36 raised bog natural heritage areas on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from the property on that date;
- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period (up to 25 May 2010 in respect of the 29 raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999, up to 31 December 2011 in respect of the 24 raised bog special areas of conservation nominated for designation in 2002 and up to 14 January 2014 for the 36 natural heritage areas);
- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
My Department continues to assess each application for compensation on its individual merits and within the parameters of the qualifying criteria of the scheme.
560. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will establish an independent external investigation into the alleged bullying and sexual harassment being reported within the National Museum of Ireland. [53056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the National Museum of Ireland is a statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 and I have no responsibility for the day to day operations of the Museum.
I am aware, however, that there are legacy HR issues at the Museum and the Board and management are taking steps to address these issues.
While I cannot get involved in HR matters, which are a matter for the executive and the Board of the Museum, my Department has provided additional support in dealing with the legacy issues. This support includes sanction for three specific HR positions and two temporary positions for the Corporate Services area of the Museum to assist in this process.
The Chair and the new Board were appointed in July 2016 and are implementing change in the Museum, as well as preparing new plans to improve the museum's services to the public over the coming years. My Department and I are supportive of these plans.
Separately, in light of allegations of abuse of power and sexual harassment elsewhere within the arts sector, my Department has identified a number of actions to be taken in relation to bodies reporting directly to my Department including our National Cultural Institutions.
These include arranging dedicated workshops for board members and senior staff of bodies reporting to the Department dealing with governance. There will be a particular emphasis on issues relating to bullying, abuse of power and sexual harassment in the workplace.
I consider that the support for the Board which I have outlined above is the most appropriate way for my Department to deal with the legacy issues that have arisen in the Museum and I will continue to support the Museum in dealing with legacy issues and implementing any reform it sees as necessary.
561. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the pay scales of all ranks in the Defence Forces in an easy to understand format will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current rates for Defence Forces Pay and Allowances can be obtained from the Department of Defence website at: www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Document+ID/74BC7A8BD49284538025817F0056D023?openDocument. These pay scales reflect increases in payscales awarded to Permanent Defence Force personnel in 2017 from PDFORRAs acceptance of the Lansdowne Road Agreement in March 2017.
562. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of investigations and hearings that have occurred since 2010 in the Defence Forces that relate to allegations of sexual assault and harassment of female members; and if outside agencies were involved in these investigations and hearings. [52787/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra563. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of cases since 2010 of incidents of sexual assault and harassment of female Defence Forces members that were subsequently referred to An Garda Síochána by the Defence Forces authorities; and the number of prosecutions that have taken place. [52788/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 563 together.
It was not possible to collate the data in the timeframe available. When the information is received from the military authorities, I shall pass it on to the Deputy.
564. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the implications for expenditure in his Department over the coming years if Ireland joins PESCO; his plans to ensure a full public debate on the matter before the decision is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the allocations for defence already announced in the budget, which were based on the commitments set out in the White Paper on Defence, means that Ireland’s Defence expenditure will increase in real terms over the coming three years.
While some additional costs may arise in respect of participation in specific PESCO Project(s) similar to the case where the Defence Forces participate in EDA Projects, as the projects will relate to the ongoing development of Defence Forces capabilities for peace support and crisis management operations, such costs would be incurred in the normal course and will therefore be met from within the Defence Vote.
The matter of Ireland's participation in PESCO has been the subject of extensive discussion prior to its approval by the Dáil on 07 December, 2017. It has been the subject of European Council and Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions over the past six months which have been debated and discussed in Dáil Éireann and its Committees. Parliamentary Questions have been frequently answered, a Seanad Éireann Commencement Matter was taken on 21 November, 2017 and a Dáil Éireann Topical Debate taken, also on the 21st November. On 06 December, 2017, I attended the meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence at which I fully set out the position on Ireland's intended participation in PESCO and answered questions from members.
It is also worth recalling that PESCO was comprehensively debated in the context of the Lisbon Treaty which was approved by the Irish People when they voted on the Treaty in October 2009. PESCO was specifically referenced in the Lisbon Treaty Protocol to address the concerns of the Irish People and in Ireland’s national declaration. The Legislation setting down Ireland’s approval process for PESCO was published in advance of that Vote and enacted in November 2009.
565. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that members of the Permanent Defence Force who are attending courses at third level institutions and who have commenced their study since September 2017 have not yet been supplied with the required text books; if such text books will be supplied to each person and not on a shared basis which has been proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52929/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that Defence Forces personnel currently attend third level institutions under a number of different schemes, outlined below:
- Courses Specific to Defence Forces Requirements Scheme (TI 01/2014)
- Third Level Officer Education Scheme (TI 08/2013)
- Army Trainee Technician Scheme (TI 04/2002)
Each of these Schemes has an associated training instruction which details the procedures for those Defence Forces personnel participating, including procedures relating to textbooks. Defence Forces personnel that require textbooks for their specific courses can utilise Defence Forces library services. I am informed that textbooks are paid for where necessary.
My Department is not aware of any specific issues relating to personnel attending third level institutions being able to access required text books for courses.
566. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if steps will be taken to ensure that members of the Permanent Defence Force who undertake courses in Carlow IT and other such colleges of education and who are entitled to claim public transport expenses to attend same will receive payment of such expenses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52930/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembers of the Permanent Defence Force can claim the cost of public transport expenses associated with attendance at approved courses of training or instruction in accordance with the provisions of Administrative Instruction 08/2002. Expense claims by individuals attending courses are submitted through the chain of command within their respective Brigades, Branches and Services and assessed by the appropriate authority. Once authorised, such expense claims are forwarded to the Department’s Finance Branch for payment in the next available expenses payroll. Any claims submitted after 9 November 2017 are sent directly to the Department’s payroll provider for payment following authorisation.
The initial processing of travel claims for DF enlisted personnel is carried out at unit level. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to readily identify the units concerned from the information supplied in the question. If the Deputy can provide any information to me regarding the names of the military units concerned, I will have the matter further examined.
567. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide the discharge papers for a Reserve Defence Forces staff member (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that the Reserve Defence Forces staff member in question (details supplied) relinquished his commission in the rank of Captain with effect from 4 August 2014. According to the military authorities, the individual’s personnel file is currently located in the Defence Forces archive and can be accessed by him on request.
568. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 25 October 2017, the status of the Reserve Defence Force lieutenant to captain fixed promotion scheme in view of the fact that 37 Reserve officers considered for promotion are facing a delay and in further view of the fact that the reply stated that these promotions would be made by the end of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that they are currently in the process of consolidating the recommendations of General Officers Commanding/Formation Commanders regarding these promotions. Appointments within Brigades/Formations for each individual at the higher rank after promotion are also being identified. The Defence Forces continues to work to the original timeline of the end of Q4 2017 for these promotions.
569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Defence Forces having particular regard to a recent indication of difficulty in retaining optimum strength; the extent to which specific issues have arisen; his plans for a resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he has addressed or plans to address concerns regarding the need to retain the strength of the Defence Forces with particular reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53182/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra572. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of positions to be filled at all ranks in the Defence Forces, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53184/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he has taken or plans to take to address concerns regarding the retention of the strength of the Defence Forces; if specific issues in this regard have been identified in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; if he has a specific plan in respect of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53185/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 569, 570, 572 and 573 together.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 October 2017 was 9,219 whole time equivalent (WTE) personnel, comprising 7,417 Army, 744 Air Corps and 1,058 Naval Service.
The table below outlines the establishment, strength (WTE) and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 October 2017, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
In recent years the levels of departures have exceeded intakes and this has presented challenges in meeting the establishment strength of 9,500 personnel. In order to fill vacancies 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 I have previously outlined there are particular challenges with vacancies in certain specialist posts such as Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers and certain Technicians. These specialists can prove difficult to retain where, as in the current economic circumstances, there are ongoing private sector and commercial semi-state sector job opportunities. I understand that he retention of such specialists has proved challenging for many military forces internationally and it is not unique to Ireland.
To address such issues 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 proposals for expanding direct entry recruitment of specialists and a scheme to facilitate former PDF personnel with appropriate skill-sets to re-enter the Defence Forces.
In addition to my commitment to maximising recruitment I am cognisant of factors that can influence retention of existing members of the Defence Forces. I remain dedicated to ensuring that the terms and conditions of service, while remaining appropriate to the needs of the organisation, are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is an ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation. The Defence Forces Climate Survey identified a range of issues that were identified as impacting on satisfaction levels within the PDF. Whilst pay for the lowest paid members of the Defence Forces was highlighted as an issue, there were a broad range of HR matters raised. I am satisfied that these are being addressed and I have recently announced a number of initiatives ranging from a review of the C&A Scheme, a review of the criteria governing Contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the Defence Forces. These directly address issues raised in the Climate Study. In addition the Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters relating to military management of work practices in the Defence Forces.
Following sign up by the Defence Forces Representative Associations to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, members of the Permanent Defence Force have benefited from pay increases. These post-dated the Climate Survey. I was particularly pleased with recent adjustments to salary scales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since 2013 (increases of between 8% and 24% depending on scale point). 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 and this is under consideration by RACO and PDFORRA.
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 a welcome development.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.
Establishment Vs Strength (WTE) – 31 October 2017
|
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2 |
6 |
35 |
110 |
257 |
306 |
167 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
2 |
6 |
35 |
103 |
248 |
263 |
113 |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
9 |
43 |
54 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
33 |
48 |
27 |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
17 |
21 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
50 |
56 |
39 |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-5 |
25 |
2 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
7 |
85 |
77 |
|
|
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/Cadet |
|
Army Rank Establishment |
29 |
32 |
115 |
169 |
973 |
1,438 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
25 |
25 |
83 |
139 |
804 |
1,333 |
4,237 * |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
4 |
7 |
32 |
30 |
169 |
105 |
-357 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
7 |
3 |
51 |
10 |
102 |
150 |
297 ** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
1 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
29 |
33 |
27 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
6 |
8 |
73 |
14 |
172 |
114 |
510 *** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
2 |
1 |
54 |
66 |
-108 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
5 |
7 |
39 |
35 |
252 |
204 |
-438 |
*Includes 151 Cadets
**Includes 38 Cadets
***Includes 24 Cadets
571. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be equipped and trained to international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53183/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Air Corps, Army and Naval Service have the ability to rapidly respond in the event of an emergency including a natural disaster or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 582 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 to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority and Aid to the Civil Power roles.
Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills and equipment, which can be deployed in such circumstances. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to requests for support. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.
I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I am satisfied that the assistance provided by the Defence Forces is provided in a co-ordinated way and that the tried and tested arrangements work well in response to emergencies.
