Written Answers Nos. 1-25
9. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland’s triple-lock will apply to all joint military development or procurement initiatives which Ireland undertakes with other countries under PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3133/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra21. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he plans to publish Ireland's national implementation plan for Permanent Structured Co-operation; if this plan will be voted on in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra23. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if discussions took place prior to Ireland joining PESCO between his Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Attorney General regarding the constitutionality of Ireland's involvement in PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3363/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the impact of increased defence spending as a result of the decision to join PESCO, particularly in relation to public services. [3176/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra31. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the increase in defence expenditure that is envisaged as part of Ireland's obligations following the joining of Permanent Structured Co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the triple-lock will be used to ensure that multi-country military procurement which Ireland participates in or financially contributes to under PESCO is approved by the Cabinet, agreed by Dáil Éireann and subject to a UN mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 21, 23, 24, 31 and 37 together.
Under the Defence Acts, the deployment of the Defence Forces overseas on peacekeeping missions requires the approval of the Government and Dáil Éireann and the specific mission must be authorised by the United Nations Security Council. This is what is termed the “triple-lock”. The United Nations Security Council has the primary role in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security, and in authorising peacekeeping operations to this end. However, neither the UN nor the UN Security Council have any role in mandating what or how States develop or procure military capability and equipment. As such, the “Triple- Lock” does not and cannot apply to Ireland’s participation in PESCO projects.
The Department of Foreign Affairs was consulted and fully engaged in all aspects of the PESCO decision. The Attorney General confirmed that there was no legal or constitutional impediment to Ireland participating in PESCO once Government and Dáil Éireann approval were obtained in accordance with the provisions of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009.
Pursuant to Section 3 (1) of the 2009 Act, both the Government and Dáil Éireann approved Ireland’s participation in PESCO. There is no specific requirement to seek further approval for any joint capability development or procurement initiatives which Ireland may pursue under PESCO. That said, I will of course update the House on continuing developments on CSDP in the normal course which will include our participation in PESCO projects.
Expenditure allocations for all Departments, both current (2018-2020) and capital (2018-2021), were published as part of the Budget documentation. It is expected that any investment or expenditure on defence, including that arising from Ireland’s participation in PESCO, will be met from within these allocations. As such, PESCO will not result in a requirement for additional expenditure beyond the approved allocations nor is it expected to impact on any other areas of public expenditure.
I have already arranged for the key PESCO documents and Ireland's notification to be lodged in the Dáil Library. In relation to Ireland's National Implementation Plans (NIP), this is currently in draft form and finalisation depends on further Council Decisions on PESCO Projects and governance expected in the coming months. Once finalised, probably in mid-2018, consideration can then be given to its publication.
10. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding Defence Forces recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3254/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the numbers serving in the Permanent Defence Force at the end of 2017; the projected number of enlisted personnel for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he expects the Permanent Defence Force numbers to reach the agreed ceiling of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3457/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 42 and 43 together.
The Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
To achieve this, there is significant on-going recruitment. In 2017 some 751 new personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force, comprising of General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. As of the 31st of December 2017, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 9,173 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel.
In 2018, similar recruitment will take place and plans for this are currently being finalised. At this point it is not possible to predict precise numbers that will be recruited but it is anticipated that this will be in the region of 800 personnel.
Certain specialist posts such as Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers and certain Technicians are presenting challenges for recruitment and retention. I have previously acknowledged this fact, which is reflective of the current economic circumstances and attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors. The extensive professional training that such specialists receive within the Defence Forces makes such personnel very attractive within these sectors. This is not a unique challenge for the Defence forces and is also faced by military forces elsewhere.
The Public Service Pay Commission is further examining the issue of the recruitment and retention of specialist personnel within the Defence Forces, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020. The Department of Defence is currently preparing a submission on recruitment and retention.
In addition to the ongoing development of specialists within the PDF, I am also addressing specialist vacancies with a range of recruitment methods including direct entry competitions for certain specialist positions. The scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have also directed civil and military management to develop proposals to facilitate former PDF personnel with appropriate skill-sets to re-enter the Defence Forces.
Following acceptance by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, the pay increases available under the Lansdowne Road agreement were applied to the Defence Forces. I was delighted that both PDFORRA and RACO have also signed up to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 which is an extension of the Lansdowne Road agreement. This provides for further pay increase of between 6.2% and 7.4% over its lifetime.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment of capable personnel, developing serving personnel, and so achieving the best personnel and skills combination to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.
12. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the increased EU-NATO co-operation supported by recent European Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3355/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSharing strategic interests and facing similar security challenges, NATO and the European Union cooperate on issues of common interest, particularly in the areas of crisis management and capability development. A key focus of this cooperation is to avoid duplication of effort in the development of military capabilities and in structures, systems and interoperability standards. Cooperation across both organisations also ensures maximum synergy where both are deployed in the same theatre, for example in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, the Horn of Africa and Afghanistan. In the face of new and emerging security challenges, in particular cyber, transnational crime, international terrorism, cooperation is essential in developing an effective and comprehensive response to these more complex security challenges.
In 2017, work continued on a Common Set of Proposals for the implementation of the Joint Declaration on EU-NATO Cooperation. This declaration was made on 8th July 2016 by the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, together with the NATO Secretary General. The declaration highlights areas where the EU and NATO can further strengthen cooperation. These focus on cooperation in the key areas of Countering Hybrid Threats, Operational Cooperation including maritime issues, Cyber security and defence, Defence capabilities, Defence Industry and Research, Exercises and capacity building.
On 14 June 2017, the EU and NATO issued a joint progress report on the progress of implementation on the Common Set of Proposals. A further set of new additional proposals building on the key areas set out above were agreed on 05 December 2017, including new topics, such as counter-terrorism, military mobility and women, peace and security. In conclusions from 14 December 2017 the European Council requested that work proceed on implementing the full set of proposals on EU-NATO cooperation, including the additional ones agreed in December 2017.
Ireland welcomes greater EU-NATO co-operation where it contributes to international peace and security and is focused on avoiding duplication of structures, systems and interoperability standards. This ensures better coherence and effectiveness on the ground in peace support and crisis management operations.
NATO and the EU currently have twenty two member countries in common but yet it is important to note that the 2016 declaration confirms that EU-NATO cooperation will fully respect the decision making autonomy of both organisations, and will not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of any Member States. This is a strong acknowledgement that Ireland’s policy of neutrality and non-NATO membership will in no way be affected by enhanced cooperation.
13. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of technical grade vacancies that exist across the Defence Forces; his plans to fill them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
To achieve this, there is significant on-going recruitment. In 2017 some 751 new personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force, comprising of General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. As of the 31st of December 2017, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 9,173 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel.
There are approximately 4,400 appointments in the establishment for enlisted ranks that attract technical pay. These are graded on a scale of 1- 6 in order of the expertise required and range from higher graded appointments encompassing highly specialised positions such as radar technicians (Tech 6) to lower graded appointments encompassing positions such as stores clerks (Tech 1).
The military authorities have been requested to provide the information sought but were unable to do so in the timeframe for answering the question. I will revert to the Deputy when the information becomes available.
Other specialist posts such as Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers and certain technical posts are presenting challenges for recruitment and retention. I have previously acknowledged this fact, which is reflective of the current economic circumstances and attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors. The extensive professional training that such specialists receive within the Defence Forces makes such personnel very attractive within these sectors. This is not a unique challenge for Ireland and is also faced by military forces elsewhere.
The Public Service Pay Commission is further examining the issue of the recruitment and retention of specialist personnel within the Defence Forces, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020. The Department of Defence is currently preparing a submission in this regard.
I am addressing the issue of specialist vacancies throughout the Permanent Defence Force with a range of recruitment methods, including direct entry competitions for certain specialist positions. The scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have also directed civil and military management to develop proposals to facilitate former PDF personnel with appropriate skill-sets to re-enter the Defence Forces.
Following acceptance by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, the pay increases available under the Lansdowne Road agreement were applied to the Defence Forces. I was delighted that both PDFORRA and RACO have also signed up to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 which is an extension of the Lansdowne Road agreement. This provides for further pay increase of between 6.2% and 7.4% over its lifetime.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment of capable personnel, developing serving personnel, and so achieving the best personnel and skills combination to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.
14. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason in circumstances in which there has been no change to the conditions upon which his Department agreed to pay a supplementary pension he has not addressed the situation in a timeframe and manner similar to the measures approved for other public servants. [3454/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it the Deputy is referring to the absence of the concept of “supplementary pensions” from the provisions of the single public service pension scheme.
As I indicated in my response to recent Questions, the occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including the Permanent Defence Force, are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. All first-time new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after that date are members of the Single Scheme. Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and rules rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Single Scheme is a key structural fiscal reform introduced to help significantly reduce the cost of public service pensions in the long term through far-reaching transformation of the public service pension system. Given that financial imperative, the terms and rules of the Single Scheme, which are fundamentally different to previous superannuation public service arrangements, make no provision for the concept or award of supplementary pensions for any new entrants joining any public service group from that date onwards.
Some years before the introduction of the new Single Scheme, the Department of Defence and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform had put sectoral pension agreements in place with PDFORRA and RACO in respect of PDF personnel serving at the time. These pre-2013 sectoral agreements include specific provision for supplementary pensions for officers who joined the PDF from 6 April 1995, as well as enlisted personnel who joined from 1 April 2004. The Single Scheme does not impact on those pre-2013 sectoral agreements. However, by virtue of the provisions of the 2012 Act, those pre-2013 sectoral agreements have no application to PDF members of the Single Scheme.
The absence from the Single Scheme of provision for the concept of supplementary pensions for any new entrants joining any public service group – including the PDF – on or after 1st January 2013, has been confirmed by the Official Side to the Defence Forces Representative Associations.
Moreover, I am advised that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has recently reiterated that position stating, among other things, that there are no plans for the introduction of supplementary pensions under the Single Scheme. My Department is not aware of any change in that position for any affected Single Scheme occupation in the public service.
A claim for payment of the supplementary pension to post-1 January 2013 new entrants has been received under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the PDF. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the C&A scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.
15. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3156/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I said in the course of a reply to a question earlier, I have appointed Mr. Gerard Barry as independent chairperson for the review of the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. I am satisfied that Gerard Barry is not only independent but also has vast experience in the area of industrial relations and public service employment.
The C and A scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force has been in operation since the early 1990's. and has operated in agreement between all parties since then. However, there have been many changes in the industrial relations landscape in the intervening period. I consider it timely and appropriate to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme to ensure that it remains efficient and effective for all parties.
I have given detailed consideration to a number of possible approaches to the review and the issues that require to be considered. In the course of the review, the chairperson will seek input from the parties to the scheme. These are Department of Defence/Defence Forces management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, PDFORRA and RACO. There will also be wider consultation with relevant stakeholders.
I have directed that the Chairperson provide a report to me no later than six months from the start of the review, which is due to commence shortly.
16. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has reviewed the recent settlement in a Defence Forces Lariam damages case and is giving consideration to a redress and compensation scheme for members of the Defence Forces harmed by Lariam in view of the outcome of that case. [3350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces prescribing policy in regard to Lariam as the first-choice anti-malarial will change in view of the recent substantial settlements in cases here and in the United Kingdom for army Lariam damage. [3349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 35 together.
As I have indicated to this House in the past, fundamentally the choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use in the Defence Forces is a medical matter that should be decided by qualified medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are decisions for highly qualified Medical Officers, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
As the Deputy is aware, a Working Group was re-convened to review developments arising in relation to malaria chemoprophylaxis and the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation. The Working Group has produced its Second Report which has been provided to me. As previously advised, the Working Group was convened in the context of current and potential litigation and is therefore legally privileged. It has made a total of twelve recommendations, which are intended to ensure that the Defence Forces medical policies and practices continually develop in light of best practice. I have accepted these recommendations in principle whilst recognising that certain of these recommendations will need to be further developed to allow for their implementation.
Whilst acknowledging that the Report is legally privileged in the context of litigation, I can confirm that many of its recommendations focus on areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group. As I already indicated, proposals will be developed further in relation to the establishment of this new Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of on-going expert advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis.
There are three anti-malarial drugs , namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline which continue to be used by the Defence Forces. The selection by a Medical Officer of the most appropriate drug for use is a complex one and dependant on a number of factors. All of these anti-malaria drugs have contraindications and side effects. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability.
The Deputy will also be aware that the State Claims Agency manages Personal Injury claims on behalf of the Department of Defence. The Lariam case referred to by the Deputy was settled on 30th November 2017 without admission of liability. The Plaintiff withdrew any part of his claim in relation to the choice by the Defendants of Lariam as a chemoprophylactic. All other matters are settled and the case was struck out. You will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual cases, either ongoing or finalised. There are no plans to introduce a compensation scheme in relation to this matter.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a key priority for me and the Defence Forces.
17. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he plans to take to increase gender equality in the Defence Forces. [3178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the 31st of December, 2017 the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 9,173 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 6.6%, or 600 personnel, were female.
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.
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.
A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation such as 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. Other initiatives include:
- 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.
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.
Notwithstanding the recent proactive initiatives, over the lifetime of the White Paper further projects will be progressed to ensure that the development and promotion of strategies that support increased female participation in the Defence Forces is continued. Such projects include:
- Developing further initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks.
- Conducting a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the PDF.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, I remain committed to maximising recruitment of both men and women to retain 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.
18. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the reinstatement of troops in the Border counties in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra26. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces in counties Cavan, Monaghan and the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 26 together.
As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning with the other Departments involved in addressing all issues relevant to the UK decision to leave the EU.
The progress made towards the end of last year, as part of the first phase of the Brexit negotiations, offers encouragement in relation to border issues where a significant commitment was made to avoid a hard border.
The UK decision to exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements at this time. Furthermore, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for 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, again when requested to do so.
I wish to assure the Deputy that there is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. My Department will continue to monitor the ongoing situation to ensure that both it and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues that might arise in the defence area as a consequence of Brexit.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects the Defence Forces to be in a position to avail of extra training and upgrading of facilities to best international level through PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPESCO is a mechanism provided for in the Treaty of the European Union to enable participating member States to come together and, on a project by project basis, jointly develop military crisis management capabilities for use in support of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions in support of international peace and security.
Now that we are participating in PESCO, the focus for Ireland will be on identifying key PESCO projects which can enhance the capability and capacity of the Defence Forces to successfully undertake modern complex UN mandated missions, including CSDP operations and on supporting interoperability in this regard. Consideration 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 a full part in those deliberations. Once these deliberations have been completed the next step will be for a Council Decision to approve the first tranche of PESCO projects to be developed. At this juncture it is anticipated that the Council will be in a position to take that decision in March 2018.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it may take some time from the initiation of individual projects through to their completion for the capabilities or benefits to become available to Member States, including Ireland.
20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the Irish peacekeeping contingent serving with UNDOF should be withdrawn (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on 31 May 1974 by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 350 (1974), following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974.
UNDOF was established to:
- Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
- Supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces; and
- Supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as
provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months, most recently in December 2017, until 30 June 2018.
A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to UNDOF on the Golan Heights since 2013. The contingent operates in the role of a Quick Reaction Force. The current contingent the 56th Infantry Group, deployed to UNDOF in early October 2017 and the next contingent is due to deploy in April 2018. Some 136 Irish troops are currently serving as part of the UNDOF mission.
On 14 November 2016, UNDOF completed the initial phase of the incremental return of the mission to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the Area of Separation where Fijian and Nepalese troops are now based. The full return to the area of separation during 2018 is being considered in the light of the security assessments and other required assurances.
Pending the full return of UNDOF to the area of separation, UNDOF has continued to maintain credible presence in the Golan in line with its mandate. Both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and both support the continued presence of UNDOF in the area of separation. The UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring the continuing ceasefire between Israel and Syria and in the wider Middle East Region.
As with all missions, developments in the UNDOF area of operation are kept under ongoing review. However, given the views of the parties and the UN in relation to the importance of this observer mission is supporting stability and the continuing ceasefire between the parties and the disengagement agreement, the continued presence of UNDOF, and Ireland's support to it, remains an important element in the response of the international community through the UN. We will continue to support the mission in this regard.
22. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action being taken in the Defence Forces to address the findings in the recent climate survey in relation to stress being experienced by personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3131/18]
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.
Follow up work to the initial findings in the Survey was conducted by the University of Limerick researchers via focus groups. A total of 73 Focus Groups were conducted throughout the Defence Forces. There were 603 participants in total. The focus group report further explored the issues raised in the original survey. The comments quoted therein cover a wide range of issues relating to human resources management. These include 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 the 13th July 2017, ahead of its official publication a week later. It is important to note that the focus groups were conducted in advance of the pay increases that were implemented in 2017. These increases particularly targeted the lowest paid across the public service. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 also provides a mechanism for further pay increases and this Agreement has been accepted by both PDFORRA and RACO. This is a further step along the path of restoration of pay scales.
While work to progress many of the other issues raised 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.
In addition, there is on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces and a range of initiatives are being developed including commissioning from the ranks, criteria for the re-entry of former Permanent Defence Force personnel with specific skills and consideration of increased use of direct entry for specialist posts. The Public Service Pay Commission will also examine recruitment and retention issues in its next tranche of work.
There are extensive support systems in place for members of the Defence Forces who may be experiencing stress. Members of the Defence Forces can avail of Personnel Support Services (PSS) which provides information, assistance and counselling on a range of matters including interpersonal problems. These supports will be kept under review.
25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the proportion of the €21 million in additional current funding for his Department in 2018 that will go towards improving the pay and conditions of serving members of the Defence Forces. [3346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the impact that recent changes in public sector pay rates and conditions will have on members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53458/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding pay for personnel within the Defence Forces with particular reference to the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 33 and 40 together.
Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set, inter alia, by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. 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 have taken measures to improve public sector pay. The focus of the increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay.
PDFORRA signed up to the Lansdowne Road 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 Force. 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.
In addition to this, as a result of successful negotiations with PDFORRA, the pay of general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, was increased further These improved payscales, were backdated to 1 July 2016 and the payments were made with backmoney due in August 2017. The starting pay for a newly qualified three star private, and their Naval Service equivalent, saw an increase from €21,800 to €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance) gross annual earnings, with scope for further income from duties.
Going forward, there are further increases arising from the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020. This provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement, with the focus once again on the lower paid.
The Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, who participated in the negotiation process, accepted the terms of the agreement in December 2017. As a result of this all Permanent Defence Force personnel will benefit from the planned pay increases. Arrangements are being made to process the first increase due under the agreement, of 1% of annualised salary effective from 1 January 2018.
In respect of additional current funding of €21 million for the Department of Defence in 2018, some €12 million has been allocated to the Defence Vote to meet the adjustments in the pay and allowances for serving members of the Defence Forces arising under Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020. The balance of the additional funding is to go towards the Pension Vote, taking account of the increasing number of Defence Forces pensioners and adjustments to pensions for current pensioners due under the agreement.
