Written Answers Nos. 572-583
574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force members serving overseas on peacekeeping or other missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53186/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra577. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he has received notification from the UN regarding the deployment of members of the Defence Forces overseas in the context of peacekeeping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 577 together.
As of 1 December 2017, Ireland is contributing 639 Permanent Defence Force personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 377 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the United Nations mandated Naval Service deployment to the EU naval mission (Operation Sophia) which commenced in October 2017 with 55 naval personnel.
Ireland has, in addition, pledged to the United Nations Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System to make certain additional capabilities (troops and equipment) available to the United Nations on request. Also, at the United Nations Defence Ministerial summit held in Vancouver last month, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland and in partner countries overseas. Any additional deployments will be subject to the provision of the Defence Acts and the triple lock as appropriate. Ireland will continue to work with the United Nations to make peacekeeping operations as efficient and effective as possible.
The overall current contribution of some 639 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to the United Nations and to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
Details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following table:
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 1st December 2017
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1. UN MISSIONS |
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(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ 30 |
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UNIFIL 111th Infantry Battalion 339 |
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UNIFIL Sector West HQ 8 |
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(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria 12 |
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(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) 3 |
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(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic 4 |
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Republic of the Congo) |
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(v) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ (Yafour Damascus) 1 |
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UNDOF Staff Appointments (Camp Ziouani) 5 |
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UNDOF 56th Infantry Group (Camp Ziouani) 130 |
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TOTAL 532 |
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UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
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(vi) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) 5 |
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(vii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) 20 |
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(viii) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ 12 |
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(ix) Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Op Sophia) L.E. Niamh 55 |
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TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS 624 |
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2 |
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ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
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(i) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna 1 |
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TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE 1 |
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3. EU MILITARY STAFF |
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Brussels 4 |
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4. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
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(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York 1 |
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(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna 1 |
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(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) 4 |
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(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) 2 |
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(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium 1 |
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(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium 1 |
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TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS 639 |
575. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the aircraft throughout the Air Corps are constantly assessed for upgrading or replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53187/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. 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 process.
In this context 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. The White Paper on Defence provides that the Air Corps will see the Cessna fleet replaced with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The tender competition for the procurement of the three new aircraft is underway and the cost will be determined by the outcome of the tender competition which is expected to conclude shortly. The two Air Corps CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft are due for replacement in 2019. The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the CASA 235s with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. Also, a decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft and this aircraft was delivered from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland in July 2017 at a cost of €5m exclusive of VAT. The new aircraft brings the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
576. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the EU currently contributes towards the cost of maintaining air and sea surveillance along the Irish coast with particular reference to the position in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53188/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that funding is available to my Department to assist the Naval Service and the Air Corps in Control and Enforcement Activities from a fund overseen by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Naval Service conducts routine maritime surveillance patrols throughout Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s fishery protection legislation and our obligations as a member of the European Union. In its fishery protection role, the Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol at any one time. However, when on patrol Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties.
Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps’ Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance within the Irish EEZ using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft which were acquired in 1994 under the terms of the 1991 to 1995 Fishery Protection Programme. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service. The EU has provided funding towards the cost of purchase and upgrade of these aircraft.
My officials together with the Naval Service and the Air Corps are working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), who are the competent authority on this matter, in relation to Brexit. However, the implications, as they relate to air and sea surveillance along the Irish Coast, of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union will depend on the manner in which, and under what circumstances the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
The potential implications for fisheries protection and monitoring of Irish waters will emerge during the course of current negotiations. Accordingly, it is difficult at this stage to anticipate the implications including the impact on fishery protection requirements.
578. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women serving in the Defence Forces at all ranks in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has fluctuated over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53190/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of female personnel (Whole Time Equivalent) serving at all ranks in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is set out in the following table:
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- |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017* |
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Army |
450 |
464 |
458 |
476 |
496 |
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Air Corps |
31 |
35 |
33 |
33 |
34 |
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Naval Service |
65 |
64 |
61 |
59 |
74 |
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Total |
546 |
563 |
552 |
568 |
604 |
*As of 31 October 2017.
The 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.
The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.
One impediment in achieving greater numbers of women serving in the Defence Forces is the lack of women recruitment applicants relative to men which may be as a result of societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers.
In recent times there have been a number of initiatives to encourage greater female participation, such as:
- The introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit,
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces and,
The White Paper on Defence recognised a requirement to develop a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and this, along with the associated Action Plan, has been achieved.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper the following projects will also be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that support increased female participation in the Defence Forces is continued:
- 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.
579. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces Reserve at all levels; the degree to which these numbers have fluctuated in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force over the last six years:
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End of Year |
RDF Strength |
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2012 |
4,978* |
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2013 |
3,655* |
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2014 |
2,302 |
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2015 |
2,280 |
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2016 |
2,049 |
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2017 (31 October 2017) |
1,856 |
*Due to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force, there is a significantly larger margin of error applicable to these figures.
The 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 has also assigned a formal role to the Reserve of contributing to state ceremonial events. 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.
I am aware that there is a shortfall between these figures and those of the established strength, which provides for 4,069 personnel. As an immediate measure to begin to rectify this shortfall by bolstering the strength of the Reserve, a recruitment campaign to the Army Reserve and Naval Service began in July 2017 and attracted 1,221 applications. A total of 128 personnel have been inducted to the Reserve Defence Forces in 2017 which is an increase of some 60% when compared to the 80 personnel inducted in 2016. The recruitment process has also been streamlined so as to make it more efficient.
Given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the Reserve is continuing. However, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces recruitment and the recruitment of up to 800 Permanent Defence Forces personnel this year obviously impacted on resource allocation.
Under the current phase of implementation of White Paper actions, two relate specifically to the RDF. One addresses the issue of improving the strength of the Reserve by attracting recruits from all backgrounds. The other action involves conducting a skills survey with a view to establishing a Specialist Reserve. Both of these are well advanced. In the medium term, over the 10 year lifespan of the White Paper, other projects relating to the development of the Reserve will also be examined and developed by the Defence Organisation.
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 and having regard to resource availability.
580. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the use of the various military installations decommissioned over the past 25 years; the number that have been disposed of; the current use of each; the number still in the ownership of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53192/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past 25 years my Department has disposed of a range of properties that were deemed surplus to military requirements.
Between 1992 and 1997, the old military barracks at Cavan was sold to Cavan County Council and six former Reserve Defence Force (RDF) premises were sold to private individuals. During this same period, some lands at various locations were disposed of, including part of a rifle range to Galway Corporation and lands to Kildare County Council, Westmeath County Council, Cork County Council, Commissioner of Irish Lights and New Ross UDC.
Since 1998, under the barracks consolidation programme, the sale has been completed on twelve of the fourteen barracks that were closed under this programme. These are Fermoy, Castleblaney, Naas, Ballincollig, Dublin (Clancy Barracks), Monaghan, Longford, Cavan (new barracks), Letterkenny, Kildare, Clonmel and Lifford. The sale of Castlebar Barracks to Mayo County Council will be completed in the near future.
Columb Barracks in Mullingar remains under the ownership of the Minister for Defence and is currently being used by An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service, the Westmeath GAA Board and various other community groups. It is intended to dispose of the barracks by public auction in 2018.
A number of other properties have also been disposed of since 1998 including 28 Reserve Defence Force premises. These include sales to Southern Health Board, Cavan County Council, Cork VEC, Mayo County Council, Wicklow County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Fingal County Council. One was also sold to Special Olympics Ireland and the remainder were sold privately.
Parts of the former training camp at Knockalisheen Camp, Co Clare were disposed of – one part to a private individual and two to sporting clubs whilst the former training camp at Lahinch Co Clare was also sold to a sporting organisation.
Lands at two military forts have been sold to Cork County Council and the Department of Justice.
Lands at two former rifle ranges were disposed to private individuals and two border posts were also sold to private individuals.
In addition, lands have been sold at various locations including lands to Galway City Council, Cork Corporation, Limerick City Council, Waterford City Council, Dublin City Council and Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Lands at Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork were also transferred to the Department of Education and Science as a contribution for the National Maritime College.
A small number of properties are being used under licence by various organisations including the use of lands at Birr, Co. Offaly by a sporting organisation. Some remaining land at the former training camp at Knockalisheen, Co. Clare is currently used by a private individual for grazing purposes until arrangements are finalised for disposal.
581. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that equipment, aircraft, and ancillary requirements are upgraded and updated on a regular basis thereby ensuring full capability and reliability to undertake tasks that may become necessary in an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53193/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Within the Naval Service, examples of this include the acquisition of new ships under the ship replacement programme. Three ships have been delivered since 2014 and a fourth is due to be delivered by 2018.
The Government is currently investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with larger and more capable fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance). Planning is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft.
The Army’s fleet of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers mid-life upgrade will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. Additionally, updated 4x4 Armoured Utility Vehicle are being acquired and it is planned to take delivery in 2018 of new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will also enhance force protection overseas.
The examples given above, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. As part of budgetary negotiations for 2017, additional capital funding was allocated bringing the capital envelope up to €416m over the 2018-2021 timeframe. This will allow for significant investment in equipment and infrastructure over the coming years.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the military capabilities necessary to fulfil the roles laid down by Government and to respond too future threats to the State’s security.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy has been adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.
In relation to Personnel, up to the end of October 2017 there have been 702 personnel inducted into the Defence Forces. This is an increase from the 416 inducted in 2015 and 690 in 2016. In 2016 more people were brought into the Defence Forces than left (690 in; 655 out). This reversed a long term trend of more people leaving than entering the Defence Forces. This has been possible because this Government significantly increased recruitment and it is expected that new entrants will again exceed exits in 2017.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to emergency situations that may arise.
583. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which modern sophisticated technology is available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to radar and GPS facilities and-or other tracking devices; the availability of such technology in all vehicles, vessels and aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53195/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. 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 process.
In this context 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. There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030. A small number of armoured logistical and utility vehicles have also been procured for force protection. Modern secure communications are essential for overseas missions and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped with required communications and global positioning systems equipment. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps’ capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps. Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments.
The White Paper also recognises the requirement to maintain and upgrade Naval Service vessels having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, including communications equipment and technology and this is an ongoing 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.
