Written Answers Nos. 26-45
27. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he plans to take to ensure personnel are recruited and retained in all grades of the Defence Forces in view of the prevalence of low pay, poor conditions and the numbers qualifying for FIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service.
There has always been a relatively large turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces and there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level. During 2017, 751 new personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force. As of end December 2017, the strength of the PDF was 9,173 personnel and it is intended that recruitment will continue during 2018. At this point I anticipate that approximately 800 personnel will be inducted in 2018.
Family Income Supplement provides a means to supplement a family’s income, be they employed in the public or private sector. Eligibility is assessed having regard to combined family income and the number of dependent children. Pay levels in the Public Service, including the Defence Forces, are determined on an individual basis and are not weighted in accordance with family circumstances.
There have been significant improvements in pay for members of the Defence Forces under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, which PDFORRA signed up to 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.
Following these revisions of pay, the first point on the payscale for a Corporal, including Military Service Allowance, is around €37,000. The first point on the payscale for a Sergeant, including Military Service Allowance, is just under €40,000 per annum. A newly qualified non-graduate entry 2nd Lieutenant can expect a minimum of €35,000 per annum after 15 months of training, while a graduate entry Lieutenant can expect a minimum of €39,860 per annum after 15 months of training.
In addition, improved payscales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were agreed in separate negotiations with PDFORRA. The revised payscales were backdated to 1 July 2016 and paid in August 2017. Gross annual earnings for this cohort is €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance). This is a significant increase in pay which was approximately €21,800 per annum prior to this agreement.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for further increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement. The agreement was accepted by the members of the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations in December 2017. Arrangements are being made to process the first 1% increase in annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018, for all Permanent Defence Force personnel. This builds upon the previous pay increases and further increases will take place over the lifetime of the agreement.
I have previously outlined 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. In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, the Public Service Pay Commission will further examine the issue of recruitment and the retention of specialist personnel and I understand that both PDFORRA and RACO have been invited to make submissions. The Department of Defence is also preparing a submission.
I remain committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to fulfil all roles assigned, both at home and overseas.
28. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a tech three payment which has been outstanding for ten years can be made to an active member of the Defence Forces; the effect possible retirement in 2018 after 21 years of service will have on payment after this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Conciliation and Arbitration (C and A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for both RACO (who represent commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (who represent enlisted personnel) to engage with the Official side on matters, which come within the scope of the Scheme.
Having regard to commitments made under national public sector pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative bodies. Where agreement is not reached it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an adjudicator or an arbitration Board to settle the matter.
On 27th September 2010, the Adjudicator awarded an increase in technician pay to cooks in the Permanent Defence Force. This award is backdated to 1 June 2006.
There are a number of outstanding Adjudication findings, across the Public Service, which cannot be implemented at this time having regard to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 to 2015.
This adjudication is part of the outstanding adjudication findings covered under previous agreements and paragraph 5.2.1 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020. This states that the parties commit to entering a process to conclude by end-September 2018 which will involve engagement in relation to an appropriate, time-bound process for addressing any outstanding adjudications.
The review mechanism is the subject of ongoing consideration by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The question of payments to personnel who have retired in the interim will be considered as part of the process.
29. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of additional initiatives the Defence Forces are taking in the wake of various international terror attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3456/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence, published in the Autumn of 2015, considered the security environment, including the threat from international terrorism. It notes that the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for protecting the internal security of the State. The Defence Forces provide, on request, supports in aid to the civil power (ATCP) of an ongoing and contingent nature.
In this context, the security environment is kept under constant review. An Garda Síochána can request a broad range of supports from the Defence Forces including Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and the Army Ranger Wing. On-going coordination and liaison meetings take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána and, based on on-going threat assessments, the Gardaí and the Defence Forces liaise with regard to possible Defence Forces supports required for a range of contingencies. In this context, I can confirm that there is very active cooperation between an Garda Síochána and Defence Forces including exercises. For example, in December 2017, the Defence Forces, in cooperation with An Garda Siochana, conducted a large scale exercise in the Dublin area based on a terrorism-related scenario.
Defence Forces contingency plans and operational orders are continuously reviewed, amended and reissued as required. Military skills, which are integral elements of the Defence Forces training, are regularly exercised and tested in responding to terrorist threats.
The White Paper on Defence set the defence capability agenda for the next decade. In recognising the dynamic nature of the security environment, the Government decided that the Defence Forces would continue to retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities, in order to meet the roles assigned and as a hedge to future uncertainty.
There are a broad range of White Paper projects currently being implemented which are intended to identify, and develop and maintain such capabilities. It remains a top priority for me and my Department to implement the White Paper projects and ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
34. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to follow the approach of other states in addressing concerns raised by Air Corps personnel in relation to the issue of toxic exposure. [3179/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, following an inspection in 2016, the Air Corps has continued to work with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to improve its health and safety regime. The military authorities have informed me that the HSA has formally noted the considerable progress made to date by the Defence Forces towards implementation of a safety management system for the control of hazardous substances. Subject to completion of the improvement plan, the HSA investigation is closed. However, it must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.
The Deputy has previously raised the matter of the Australian approach with me which I have address in my response to PQ No. 849 of 7th March 2017. As I indicated at the time, I am informed by the military authorities that there are a number of published reports and on-going studies in relation to Australian personnel who were exposed to chemicals while conducting a particular maintenance task on a specific aircraft programme. As such, the military authorities have advised that it would be difficult to draw a direct comparison between the Irish Air Corps and that of the Australian Air Force.
The Deputy will also be aware that the State Claims Agency is currently managing 7 claims taken against the Minister for Defence, for personal injuries alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substance whilst working in the Air Corps in the period 1991 to 2006. As litigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.
36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the numbers serving in the Defence Forces Reserve at the end of 2017; the projected enlistment for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3358/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve Defence Force. The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and it 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.
As of the 31st December 2017 the number of personnel in the Reserve Defence Force was as follows:
First Line Reserve: 271 personnel
Army Reserve: 1,732 (effective) personnel
Naval Service Reserve: 124 (effective) personnel
I am aware that there is a shortfall between current strength and the establishment, which provides for 4,069 personnel for the combined Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. The most recent recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve and Naval Service began in July 2017 and attracted 1,221 applications. A total of 139 personnel were inducted to the Reserve Defence Force in 2017.
It is my intention to hold a further Reserve recruitment campaign in 2018 and I have directed the military authorities to maximise recruitment to the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, having regard to training demands arising from the significant ongoing recruitment to the PDF.
38. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the 52% increase in capital expenditure envisaged by his Department between 2017 and 2020 and the 2.5% increase in current expenditure envisaged over the same period in view of the recruitment and retention crisis being faced by the Defence Forces as a consequence of pay and conditions in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the mid-term review of the capital plan, ‘Building on Recovery : Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016 – 2021’, Budget 2018 set out the capital envelope for Vote 36 Defence, for the period 2018 – 2021. This provides increased funding for the essential renewal and replacement of equipment and infrastructure. This is critical in ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capability to deliver on the roles assigned by Government, over the longer term.
Defence current expenditure funding provides for standing and operational costs and pay and allowances for members of the Defence Forces. The Defence Vote is fully funded to meet the full costs of the target strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. Rates of pay and allowances for the Defence Forces are set, inter alia, by reference to relative levels of pay across the public sector. As provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, the Public Service Pay Commission is currently considering recruitment and retention issues in the Defence Forces.
39. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the recent attempts by the British army to recruit young Irish persons through social media, contrary to the Defence Acts; and the steps he plans to take in relation to this. [3177/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my answer to Question Number 230 of 15th November 2017. As I indicated in that response, in today's media-rich and connected world, Irish citizens are regularly exposed to content through a variety of mediums and social media channels would be no exception. Such content can include recruitment campaigns for foreign military organisations.
However, as Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am more than satisfied that the Defence Forces is the employer of choice for Irish citizens who wish to pursue a military career in an organisation with a deservedly world-class reputation. The PDF provides such individuals with training, career progression and ongoing development in a diverse range of roles. Interest in such career opportunities is demonstrated by the large number of applications received for the two General Service Recruitment Campaigns last year.
41. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the barracks in use in Dublin; the deployment of forces between those barracks; and if there are plans for an amalgamation or co-ordination of the resources in this regard. [3450/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four permanently occupied military installations in Dublin. These are located at Cathal Brugha Barracks (Rathmines), McKee Barracks (Blackhorse Avenue), St. Bricin's Hospital (Infirmary Road) and Casement Aerodrome (Baldonnel).
For operational and security reasons, details of troop numbers at each location cannot be disclosed. It should be noted however that the number of personnel stationed at a particular location will frequently vary as it is a normal operational feature for there to be a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of military installations on an ongoing basis.
The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. However, there are currently no plans to close or amalgamate any permanently occupied military installations.
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he remains satisfied that membership of the Defence Forces remains an attractive career in respect of men and women; if particular issues have arisen in this regard such as pay or conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and the Defence Forces have always had a level of turnover that far exceeds other areas of the public service.
I remain committed to ensuring ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces and that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
In order to balance personnel turnover there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers.
A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. The conduct of two recruitment campaigns in 2017 for general service recruits yielded just over 8,000 applicants.
In terms of pay, following PDFORRA’S acceptance of the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement last year, adjustments have been applied to salary scales with the focus on the lower paid. On completion of recruit and three star training newly qualified 3 star Privates and their Naval Service equivalent can expect minimum gross annual earnings of €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance) an increase of over €5,000 on the previous total of €21,828.
The terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 have been accepted by PDFORRA and RACO. This Agreement also provides for further pay increases ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement.
I have announced a number of initiatives ranging from a review of the C&A Scheme, a review of the criteria governing Contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the Defence Forces. These directly address issues raised in the Climate Study. In addition, the Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters relating to military management of work practices in the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that membership of the Defence Forces is an attractive career prospect for men and women who wish to serve their country in a military context.
45. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the most recent meeting of the Curragh Forum; the areas addressed and actions taken arising from the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3253/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Curragh Forum was established to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to consider and progress a wide range of issues regarding the use and management of the Curragh Plains.
The most recent meeting of the Forum took place on Friday 12 January 2018. It was attended by representatives of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Kildare County Council, Curragh Racecourse Ltd, the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and Horse Racing Ireland. The issues discussed included legislation, traffic, signage and parking issues, illegal encampments, sheep grazing rights, and the ongoing land management and maintenance of the Curragh Plains. It was agreed that progress in all of these areas requires Forum members to take ownership and work collaboratively in identifying and working towards implementing solutions.
A number of key actions were agreed by the members of the Forum to assist in addressing some of these issues. A work-programme was established for 2018 that will build on the progress made in the areas under discussion and will be supplemented by new issues arising. In addition, Kildare Co. Council has agreed that in conjunction with Kildare Fáílte, it will produce a Vision document for the Curragh that will be presented to the Forum for discussion.
On the work-programme, work has been undertaken in identifying suitable locations for the construction of car parking spaces on the Curragh, thus reducing damage to grasslands. The design and associated costings will be progressed in 2018. A new lands management team will be put in place in 2018 to oversee all activities on the ground including, but not limited to, litter, sheep branding, patrolling, monitoring users of lands, inspection of property boundaries, engagement with the public, and a proposed new role of engaging in education and outreach. A new environmental maintenance contract will also be sent to tender shortly.
A review of the legislation governing the Curragh has highlighted that changes to it will be complex and protracted. It was agreed to advance this in parallel with the use of other legislation that can more immediately address relevant issues.
It was also agreed that more regular meetings of the Forum should take place in order to progress these matters.
