Written Answers Nos 76-97
76. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps taken by his Department to increase the capacity of the Air Corps to provide priority air transfers for medical treatment in view of the fact that the service was suspended in 2016. [52872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an ‘as available’ basis. This includes providing an inter-hospital service on an ‘as available’ basis to the HSE, providing for the transfer of patients, including priority 1 patients, to the UK using Air Corps Aircraft.
The inter-hospital service is overseen by the National Aero-medical Coordination Centre of the HSE and the Air Corps is only one element of the overall service delivery provision; the Irish Coast Guard and the private sector being the other elements of service provision.
As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise. In the Air Corps the loss of experienced personnel led to the suspension of the standby roster for out-of-hours and weekend contingencies. However, the Deputy may wish to note that during 2017 to end November, the Air Corps has carried out 28 Inter-Hospital Air Ambulance transfers to the UK at the request of the HSE, three of which were priority one transfers relating to children requiring urgent organ transplants.
In the Air Corps, 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. The retention of such specialists has proved challenging for many military forces internationally.
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.
At Defence Organisation level, a Working Group comprised of Civil and Military personnel was established to look at ways of addressing the issue of how to retain sufficiently experienced Pilot Officers within the Air Corps. The Working Group’s report contained a number of recommendations ranging from increasing recruitment levels to examining the current terms and conditions of pilots. Work on the implementation of the Working Group’s recommendations is currently ongoing by both Civil and Military staff of the Defence Organisation. In addition, and as part of a wider initiative, the possibility of recruiting former personnel who have left the Defence Forces is also being examined.
Two classes of Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians began training during 2017. Ten cadet pilots began their training in October with other cadet classes already in training. Five cadet pilots received their “Wings” in October.
It is important to note that while there is significant action under way, there is a requirement to continue to build the capacity of the Air Corps and it will take some time for a return to previous levels of capability.
I can assure the Deputy, however, that the Air Corps will continue to provide support for emergency inter-hospital transfers on an “as available” basis, having regard to available capabilities and its primary security responsibilities.
77. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the numbers to date serving in the Permanent Defence Forces; the expected recruitment level in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52974/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the most recent figures available (as of 31 October 2017), the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 9,219 whole time equivalent (WTE) personnel, broken down as follows:
- Army: 7,417
- Air Corps: 744
- Naval Service: 1,058
While I acknowledge there a gap between these figures and the establishment figure of 9,500, the Government remains dedicated to returning to, and maintaining the establishment strength of the Permanent Defence Force.
To achieve this, significant targeted recruitment has taken place in 2017 which resulted, to date, in 702 personnel being inducted comprising of General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. This figure is expected to reach approximately 800 by the end of 2017.
Particular challenges do exist in recruiting and retaining 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 the retention of such specialists has proved challenging for many military forces internationally and it is not unique to Ireland.
Therefore the range of recruitment methods employed to increase personnel numbers towards the establishment strength include direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have 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.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, the focus is on ensuring that the Defence Forces are staffed in manner that will enable them to continue to deliver the services required of them by Government. Accordingly, I can confirm that further recruitment will take place in 2018 and plans for this are currently being finalised between civil and military management. Such recruitment will encompass general service recruits, cadets and specialists.
78. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the considerations and planning his Department has taken with regard to Ireland's imminent joining of Permanent Structured Co-operation on Security and Defence, PESCO; if the defence budget for 2018, 2019 and 2020 will now increase year on year due to the commitments required of PESCO membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52965/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsideration is currently being given to the potential PESCO projects in which Ireland will participate. The work on elaborating the details of these project proposals and potential participants is currently ongoing at EU level and Ireland is playing its full part in those deliberations.
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 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.
80. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the State's potential role in the EU’s new permanent structured co-operation mechanism; and the implications of same for Irish neutrality. [52733/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the launch of PESCO yesterday at the Foreign Affairs Council, focus will now centre on the participation in potential PESCO projects.
The work on elaborating the details of these project proposals and potential participants is currently ongoing at EU level and Ireland is playing its full part in those deliberations. The types of projects at which we are considering participating in, include:
- Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance Systems;
- Development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles for protection of harbours and maritime systems;
- A Centre of Excellence for EU Military Training Missions, and
- Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform.
Ireland's participation in PESCO, which provides a treaty based framework, has no implications for Ireland's policy of military neutrality which remains a core element of Irish Foreign policy. The protocols attaching to the Lisbon Treaty specifically recognise Ireland’s policy of military neutrality stating inter alia “The Lisbon Treaty does not affect or prejudice Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality ”.
81. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department's Estimates for each year since 2008; the percentage of GDP and GNP it was annually; if he has had communications with the Minister for Finance to increase it to the EU average of 1.4% or the proposed EU 2% of GDP annually in line with NATO countries' projected military spend and with President Donald Trump's pronouncements. [52876/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure by my Department for Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and Vote 36 (Defence) for 2008 to 2016 is as set out in the table below, along with expenditure expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP). The Army Pensions and Defence budget provision for 2017 is €921 million. 2017 GDP and GNP figures are not expected to be published until Q2, 2018.
Defence Expenditure (Votes 35 & 36) 2008-2016
|
Year |
Expenditure - Millions |
Expenditure as Percentage of GDP |
Expenditure as Percentage of GNP
|
|
2008 |
€1,084 |
0.58% |
0.67% |
|
2009 |
€1,019 |
0.60% |
0.72% |
|
2010 |
€956 |
0.57% |
0.69% |
|
2011 |
€922 |
0.54% |
0.67% |
|
2012 |
€901 |
0.51% |
0.63% |
|
2013 |
€891 |
0.49% |
0.59% |
|
2014 |
€893 |
0.46% |
0.54% |
|
2015 |
€898 |
0.34% |
0.44% |
|
2016 |
€906 |
0.33% |
0.40% |
The White Paper on Defence sets out the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government and the associated capability requirements. As part of the annual Estimates process, my officials and I engage with the Minister and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to ensure that the appropriate level of financial resources are provided to enable the Defence Organisation to deliver effectively on all their assigned roles. The Estimates are, in due course, approved by Government and voted by the Dáil.
There is no requirement on Ireland or any other EU member State to achieve any specific target in relation to Defence expenditure, nor is there any agreement at EU level in this regard. As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the Lisbon Treaty explicitly provides that it is entirely a matter for Ireland, or any other Member State, to determine the nature and volume of its own defence and security expenditure, as well as the nature of its defence capabilities.
Ireland’s cooperation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) and there is no requirement on Ireland to achieve any specific target in relation to Defence expenditure. The target of 2% for Defence expenditure is for NATO allies. Partnership for Peace retains its own separate identity and was founded on the basis of a bilateral relationship between NATO and each of the Partnership for Peace countries. Ireland’s purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve Defence Forces capabilities and to ensure that our Defence Forces are interoperable with the forces of other States engaged in UN mandated crisis management operations.
84. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he engaged with members of a group (details supplied) on 30 November 2017 during their 24-hour protest outside Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI did not meet with members of the Group on this occasion but I met with some of their members earlier this year. I am aware of their concerns.
Like other areas within the Public Service, the pay of the Permanent Defence Force was reduced during the financial crisis. The reductions in pay and the introduction of a Pension Related Deduction was on a graduated basis with increased rates of deductions for those on higher earnings.
The Government appreciate the contribution made by all public servants, including members of the Permanent Defence Force during the economic crisis and are taking measures to restore pay across all sectors, in line with public sector agreements. The focus of the increases are weighted in favour of those on lower pay.
Successful negotiations with the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations have provided for pay increases under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, the most recent of which were paid to PDFORRA members in July this year together with arrears.
In addition, improved payscales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were backdated to 1 July 2016 and paid in August 2017.
The Government is prioritising legislation to provide for further pay increases to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces, provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
This Agreement provides for a series of pay increases over the three years of the agreement ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% with the benefits to different income groups weighted towards those on lower pay.
The legislation also provides for the restoration of the 5% reduction in allowances which was reduced in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015.
The proposals have been presented to the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations who participated in the negotiation process leading to the agreement. The representative associations are currently considering the Agreement which will be subject to acceptance by ballot of the members of the Associations.
85. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when the State Claims Agency interviewed Air Corps personnel in Baldonnel in 2013, its attention was drawn to the fact that personal protection equipment was not being supplied to personnel and that it commissioned the formation safety office with performing a retrospective examination of at least one area of Casement Aerodrome, the engine repair flight workshop (details supplied); if he was informed by the State Claims Agency or the formation safety office of its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52873/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously indicated to the Deputy, the Report of the Air Corps Formation Safety Officer was undertaken in the context of ongoing legal proceedings and it was in that context that the Report was requested by and provided to the State Claims Agency. As the Report was undertaken in the context of a claim, it is legally and professionally privileged.
86. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the role of his Department and officials in the Permanent Structured Co-operation on Security and Defence, PESCO; and if he will report on his discussions with his EU counterparts on PESCO. [52884/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy was published in June 2016. The strategy sets the context and provides a guiding framework for the Union’s external action under the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Strategy also identifies key security challenges facing the European Union within its neighbourhood and beyond, and commits to a global order based on international law with the United Nations at its centre. Within the provisions of the Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the strategy commits the Union to take greater responsibility for its own security and to enhance its capacity to contribute to international peace and security, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations
Following its publication a comprehensive approach to implementation including in the area of security and defence is now being progressed. As part of that implementation process, in June 2017 the European Council agreed to launch an inclusive and ambitious PESCO and to draw up a common list of criteria and binding commitments, within three months. Participation in PESCO which is provided for in the Treaty of the European Union was introduced under the Lisbon Treaty.
Over the past several months, there has been significant engagement by all member States in the development of PESCO, including to ensure that it is fully inclusive, respecting the differing security and defence policies of the member States as reflected in the treaties and the treaty protocols. Ireland participated fully across all fora in shaping the development of PESCO and in drafting the ‘Notification’ to participate in PESCO, including the preamble, principles and commitments. This included participation by my officials in extensive discussions at the Political-Military Group, the Political and Security Committee and at meetings of Defence Policy Directors.
PESCO was also the subject of discussion at meetings of Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers.
Discussions centred on the EU’s comprehensive approach, encompassing foreign policy, trade, aid as well as security and addressed the need for PESCO projects to strengthen same and the requirement to also strengthen and reinforce civilian capabilities and crisis management tools. Regarding budgetary commitments, Ministers noted that commitments should not be seen nor presented as prejudging national parliaments' prerogatives in this area. Ministers also discussed the governance structure whereby the decision-making process will remain in the hands of participating Member States and, also, the need for effective communication of PESCO to the wider public. The importance of inclusivity and the need for respecting the differing security and defence policies of the member States, as reflected in the treaties and the treaty protocols, was also discussed.
87. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Taoiseach the value of trade in goods between Ireland and Britain in 2016; and the estimated amount for 2017. [52861/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Taoiseach the value of trade in services between Ireland and Britain in 2016; and the estimated amount for 2017. [52862/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
The data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
It should be noted that data on the value of trade in goods and services are not available for the full year for 2017. Trade in goods data is compiled on a monthly basis, and the latest data available is for January to September 2017. The data supplied is for January to September 2017. Trade in services data is compiled on a quarterly basis, and the latest data available is for Quarters 1 and 2 of 2017. The data supplied is for these periods of 2017. The Central Statistics Office compiles trade statistics based on data received for previous periods. It does not compile estimates for future periods, and for this reason, an estimate of the full amount of trade in goods and services for 2017 is not available.
Table A : Trade in goods between Ireland and Great Britain, 2016 to September 2017.
|
Division |
Exports Jan – Dec 2016 €000 |
Imports Jan - Dec 2016 €000 |
Exports Jan – Sep 2017 €000 |
Imports Jan – Sep 2017 €000 |
|
Food and live animals |
3,706,771 |
2,787,875 |
2,860,953 |
2,083,407 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
220,278 |
321,990 |
155,892 |
204,259 |
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
373,407 |
153,508 |
288,539 |
137,821 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products |
464,855 |
2,071,665 |
273,559 |
1,860,059 |
|
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes |
11,449 |
45,874 |
9,312 |
36,559 |
|
Chemicals and related products nes |
3,994,557 |
2,383,804 |
3,744,987 |
2,298,130 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
931,894 |
1,737,096 |
705,909 |
1,336,660 |
|
Machinery & transport equipment |
2,205,500 |
3,021,649 |
1,580,077 |
2,188,075 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
1,133,769 |
2,234,230 |
875,510 |
1,544,472 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
337,318 |
1,039,268 |
258,692 |
733,079 |
|
Total |
13,379,799 |
15,796,958 |
10,753,428 |
12,422,520 |
In 2016, service exports from Ireland to Britain were €22,497m and Ireland's service imports from Britain were €11,840m.
In the first two quarters of 2017, service exports from Ireland to Britain were €5,631m and €6,541m respectively and Ireland's service imports from Britain were €2,898m and €2,959m.
89. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Taoiseach the number of Irish companies exporting to Britain in 2017. [52863/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra90. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Taoiseach the number of companies exporting from Britain to Ireland in 2017. [52864/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of Irish businesses engaged in trade with Britain in 2017; and the estimated number of employees employed by these companies. [52865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 to 91, inclusive, together.
The information on the number of businesses exporting to Great Britain and the numbers of people employed as requested by the Deputy is not available.
Trade in goods data between Ireland and Great Britain is collected via the Intrastat survey, which is carried out by VIMA (Revenue Commissioners) on behalf of the CSO. In order to minimise the burden on enterprises, only those whose exports exceed €635,000 per annum or whose imports exceed €500,000 per annum are included in the survey. There are around 2,200 exporters and 5,500 importers required to complete this survey on a monthly basis. This covers 98.8% of the total value of exports and 96.5% of the total value of imports.
The CSO makes estimates for the remaining enterprises whose trade is below the threshold level. In 2017, this equates to around 9,800 exporters and 43,000 importers. As detailed data is not available for these enterprises, it is not possible to state how many of these enterprises export to Great Britain, or the employment levels of these enterprises.
The CSO does not compile statistics on exports by companies in Britain, as it does not have access to the detailed data compiled by HMRC or the ONS which would enable these statistics to be compiled.
92. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on Cabinet Committee B (Social Policy and Public Services). [52951/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committee B last met on 16 November. The Committee covers the areas of Social Policy and Public Service Reform including education, children, social inclusion, Irish, arts and culture, as well as continued improvements and reform of public services.
The work of this Committee seeks to coordinate the work across Government on planning and implementing policies that contribute to a more equal and socially inclusive society. Some of the particular initiatives this Committee will focus on include roll-out of improved childcare services, targeting educational disadvantage and improving services to people with disabilities.
A new Cabinet Committee is being established to deal with justice and equality.
93. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on Cabinet Committee C (European Union including Brexit). [52952/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established Cabinet Committee C to cover issues relating to the European Union. It assists Government in its ongoing consideration of Brexit and will also support my participation as a member of the European Council.
Preparing for and dealing with Brexit in a way that delivers the best possible outcome for the country remains a top priority for the Government. Its potential consequences cut across very many areas of our national and economic life, and it is being dealt with in a whole-of-Government way, including through Cabinet Committee C. There has been regular discussion by the Government, including at the recent all-day meeting in Cork and in the run-up to the recent agreement between the EU and the UK.
Cabinet Committee C last met on 11 September. The date of the next meeting has not yet been confirmed.
94. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he spoke to Prime Minister May on 4 December 2017 regarding Brexit. [52607/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he spoke to Arlene Foster on 4 December 2017 regarding Brexit. [52608/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he spoke to Michelle O 'Neill on 4 December 2017 regarding Brexit. [52609/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 to 96, inclusive, together.
I spoke by phone with Prime Minister May on Wednesday 6 December and again on Thursday 7 December.
On both occasions we had good conversations as we took stock of developments since Monday 4 December. I reiterated the firm Irish position regarding the text that I am satisfied was agreed on Monday. We discussed our approach to finding a way to move forward and agreed to talk again.
On Friday morning 8 December, I was pleased to announce that following long and intensive negotiations, we had reached a satisfactory conclusion on the issues relating to Ireland in Phase 1. I said on Friday that we have achieved all we set out to achieve in Phase One of these negotiations. We have the assurances and guarantees we need from the United Kingdom and support for them from the European Union.
I am satisfied that sufficient progress has now been made on the Irish issues. The parameters have been set and they are good. Now, we can move on to work out the detail of what has been agreed and to talk about the transition phase, free trade and the new relationship between the EU and the UK.
Assuming that happens, we can move on to the work necessary to convert the commitments made last week into the necessary provisions in the Withdrawal Agreement. We also, of course, want to begin discussion about transition arrangements and the new relationship between the EU and the UK, in phase 2.
We will remain fully engaged and vigilant throughout the next period of work.
Throughout, we participated in these discussions as part of the EU 27. Over recent days I have also spoken with European Council President Tusk and European Commission President Juncker on a number of occasions. Irish officials were also in constant contact with the EU Task Force over the intensive period of negotiations in recent weeks, as well as engaging with the other EU institutions and Member States.
We were also in bilateral contact with the UK at political and official level, including the contacts I had with Prime Minister May as I have mentioned already. While these contacts were focused primarily on finding a way forward in the negotiations, Prime Minister May and I remain in agreement on the importance of ensuring close ongoing bilateral Ireland UK relations into the future.
I was not party to any discussions between PM May and DUP leader Arlene Foster in respect of the EU UK negotiations, nor did I speak directly with the DUP leader over the course of the intensive negotiation period of the past two weeks. As has been set out, the Article 50 process is a negotiation between the EU 27 on the one hand and the UK Government on the other. As such, it is a process that involves sovereign governments rather than individual political parties in any of the relevant jurisdictions.
In the same way, neither I nor my officials had a role in any decision made about sharing of draft text with the DUP. Given the nature of the negotiation structure, this was entirely a matter for the UK Government.
I can also confirm that I was not involved in any direct discussions with the Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill at this time.
97. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach his Department's policy on dealing with whistleblower complaints. [52610/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protected Disclosures Act 2014 provides a robust statutory framework within which employees can raise concerns regarding potential wrongdoing that has come to their attention in the workplace in the knowledge that they can avail of significant employment and other protections if they are penalised by their employer or suffer any detriment for doing so.
The Act requires every public body to establish and maintain procedures for dealing with protected disclosures and to provide written information relating to these procedures to their employees.
In line with the Act, my Department has a Policy on Protected Disclosures which sets out the process by which an employee can make a disclosure, what will happen when a disclosure is made, and what my Department will do to protect a discloser.
