Written Answers Nos 1-17
1. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to his Department of negative interest rates on deposits held; the details of same for agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11734/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a small number of bank accounts, in order to process payments for goods and services, for processing payrolls and for the receipt of funds due to the Department. In accordance with public financial procedures, the amounts maintained in these accounts are kept to a minimum. During 2017, the cost of negative interest rates in respect of these bank accounts was €7,189.
The Army Pensions Board, which is under the aegis of the Department of Defence, does not operate a bank account.
2. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns from January 2017 to date in 2018, by year, month and company engaged in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11764/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total expenditure on public awareness campaigns and online advertising from January 2017 to date in 2018 by my Department is set out in the table. The expenditure relates to the Be Winter Ready campaign which was launched on 8 November 2017. There was no expenditure in relation to third party public relations advice or communications advice during the period in question.
|
Campaigns |
- |
Expenditure |
|
Be Winter Ready Campaign: two page article in the Irish Independent |
Independent Newspapers Marketing Ltd. |
€6,150.00 |
|
Be Winter Ready Twitter campaign |
Mediavest Ltd. |
€5,535.00 |
|
Management of Twitter campaign |
Mediavest Ltd. |
€2,583.00 |
|
Radio Advertisements |
Mediavest Ltd. |
€25,912.52 |
3. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons holding Civil Service positions above clerical officer grade in his Department who entered the Civil Service via a route other than through an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors; the grades of each; and the basis for the non-standard recruitment. [11855/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department that all new civil service staff are recruited through the Public Appointments Service and I can confirm this policy has been fully adhered in the period since my appointment as Minister.
As provided for in relation to the employment of special advisers, both my special advisers were recruited directly rather than through the Public Appointments Service.
Without undertaking a physical examination of the personnel file of each of my Department's civil servants it is not possible for me to say if there are any historical instances of individuals recruited by a method other than through the normal processes of the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors.
4. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the directions provided to the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service that fall under the direction of his Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of the public and civil service staff of my Department were fully engaged in the national response to Storm Emma. Essential members of the staff of my Department worked as part of the National Emergency Management Group, managing and overseeing the requirement for Civil Defence and Defence Forces' support across the country and liaising with local authorities, the Health Service Executive and an Garda Síochána.
Non-essential staff in areas covered by the red weather warning were advised not to travel to work on Wednesday, 28 February. In light of the advice issued by the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group that people only undertake travel if absolutely essential, and in line with other government departments, a decision was taken to close all of my Department's offices were on both Thursday 1 March and Friday 2 March. All staff impacted by the closures will be paid in full for these days.
5. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12000/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. 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 am advised that 1,902 personnel left the Defence Forces in the 3 year period from 2015-2017, inclusive. This includes 459 personnel who did not complete their training.
In order to balance personnel turnover there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level. 751 personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers.
The capabilities maintained by the Defence Forces are based on detailed consideration of capability requirements and agreed by military authorities. With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and abroad.
Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces. A Military Service Allowance is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life. This includes unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger and the restrictions inherent in military discipline.
In addition to basic pay and military service allowance a range of duties attract additional allowances, including Security Duty and Naval Service Patrol Duty. Overseas Peace Support Allowance is paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force participating in overseas military operations on direction of the Government. Certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay.
Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid. The first instalment of 1% due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force. The restoration of allowances will be considered in the context of the Agreement.
Following these revisions in pay, the starting pay for a newly qualified three star private, and their Naval Service equivalent, (inclusive of military service allowance) is €27,257, gross annual earnings, with scope for further income from duty allowances. This is a significant increase on the €21,800 per annum which was the annual amount prior to the implementation of the increases in pay received through recent pay agreements.
The starting pay for a Corporal, including Military Service Allowance, is over €37,000 per annum. The first point on the payscale for a Sergeant, including Military Service Allowance, is €40,000 per annum.
The Working Family Payment (formerly the Family Income Supplement) provides a means to supplement a family’s income, be they employed in the public or private sector. Eligibility for Working Family Payment is determined having regard to criteria such as family income and the number of dependents. Pay levels in the Public Service, including the Defence Forces, are determined having regard to the particular requirements for specific positions, and are not weighted in accordance with family circumstances.
The Government has tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail. The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work and has requested detailed information from the Department of Defence. Defence management are preparing their submission which will be sent to the Commission in the coming weeks.
The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this exercise in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.
6. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of personnel in the Reserve Defence Forces from 2,050 to 4,100; his plans to increase the Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12119/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF). It provides that for an overall establishment of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve of 4,169 personnel, which will be achieved by increasing the Naval Service Reserve establishment from 200 to 300 personnel. Currently, the establishment for the RDF is 4,069 personnel.
The current strength of the RDF, as of 31 January 2018, is 2,058 personnel (1,777 effective).
Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.115M for paid training of RDF personnel. This budget is sufficient having regard to the current strength of the RDF.
An RDF General Service Recruitment campaign was launched on 26 July 2017 for a period of 6 weeks. A total of 1,221 applications were received (of which 162 were from females). A total of 139 new recruits were inducted to the RDF in 2017 (10 females) as follows:
- Army Reserve: 117 recruits (8 females)
- Naval Service Reserve: 22 recruits (2 females).
Given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the Reserve will continue. It is currently planned to hold a General Service Recruitment Campaign to the RDF in April / May 2018.
However, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent and Reserve Defence Force recruitment.
The significant issue in relation to increasing the number of personnel in the Reserve Defence Force is not one of financial resources but one of attracting and training sufficient personnel.
7. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the replacement of Air Corps Cessna aircraft; the position regarding the replacement of CASA maritime patrol aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the current Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft which will be equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Following an open tender competition, a contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 at a cost of some €32m for the provision of three PC-12 fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR tasks which will replace the Cessna fleet. It is expected that the three aircraft will be delivered by 2020.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with consideration of 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. The planning process for the replacement of the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has recently commenced in my Department.
The National Development Plan provides for a Capital allocation of €541m for Defence for the five year period 2018-2022. This allocation will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as set out in the White Paper. The replacement of the Air Corps Cessna aircraft and the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme are among the projects prioritised for inclusion.
8. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether protected disclosures in which it is alleged that health and safety inspection reports were destroyed as part of a cover-up within the Air Corps were made in good faith; his views on whether the motivation of the persons that submitted these disclosures is for the well-being of members of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12251/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI treat all correspondence received in relation to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 seriously and examine the issue based on the substance of the matter not on questions of motivation.
In relation to allegations of destruction of reports, I requested a report from the Chief of Staff on the actions taken on foot of the allegation. He informed me that the officer named met with the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps. The officer concerned has refuted the allegations made and it should further be noted that documents referred to were not military documents, nor did they carry any military security classification.
I appointed an independent third party to review allegations made in a number of protected disclosures relating to health and safety issues in the Air Corps which were received in late 2015 and early 2016.
I sent the report of the independent third party to those who had made disclosures for their views. I am considering the next steps in the process having received the views of those who made disclosures and in the context of ongoing litigation. Given that context, I have requested further legal advice in relation to the matter, before deciding on the next steps in the process.
9. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Civil Defence personnel by county; the shortfall in numbers in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12260/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of active Civil Defence volunteers in each county at the end of 2017 is as follows:
CARLOW 63
CAVAN 225
CLARE 179
CORK CITY 95
CORK NORTH 76
CORK SOUTH 44
CORK WEST 86
DONEGAL 129
DUBLIN 434
GALWAY 311
KERRY 131
KILDARE 62
KILKENNY 23
LAOIS 89
LEITRIM 36
LIMERICK 157
LONGFORD 52
LOUTH 38
MAYO 78
MEATH 221
MONAGHAN 64
OFFALY 49
ROSCOMMON 87
SLIGO 107
TIPPERARY 182
WATERFORD 153
WESTMEATH 100
WEXFORD 121
WICKLOW 77
TOTAL 3469
The Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area. The CDO is a full time employee of the local authority and is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence matters under the overall direction of the relevant Chief Executive.
Civil Defence volunteers are recruited, trained and managed locally. It is for each Civil Defence Unit to determine the appropriate number of volunteers required in the Unit. The Unit size varies between counties due to factors such as the population and geographic size of the county. The presence or absence of other voluntary emergency service groups (such as the Order of Malta, St Johns Ambulance and the Red Cross) in a county has an impact on the size of the Civil Defence Unit. Civil Defence training has become increasingly professionalised in recent years and many Units have tended to favour having smaller numbers of more highly trained volunteers.
10. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces can be better mobilised in the event of natural disasters, including flooding, in view of the need for early action and deployment, with particular attention to the availability of same in the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12262/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation including flooding in the Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.
To facilitate support to the Principal Response Agencies locally, the Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, including the North-West, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities. This facilitates effective planning and mobilisation when required.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces responded to all requests for assistance during the recent severe weather events.
11. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the steps he is taking to respond to the matter of pay and conditions for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of pay and conditions of employment in the Irish public service have traditionally been set by, amongst other things, reference to levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. 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 with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid.
A 1% increase in annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force.
Following these revisions in pay, the starting pay for a newly qualified three star private, and their Naval Service equivalent, (inclusive of military service allowance) is €27,257, gross annual earnings, with scope for further income from duty allowances. This is a significant increase on the €21,800 per annum which was the annual amount prior to the implementation of the increases in pay received through recent pay agreements.
The starting pay for a Corporal, including Military Service Allowance, is over €37,000 per annum. The first point on the payscale for a Sergeant, including Military Service Allowance, is €40,000 per annum.
In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence raised recruitment and retention issues as part of the submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. In a further acknowledgement of these issues the Government tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining these challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail.
The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work and has requested detailed information from the Department of Defence. Defence management are preparing their submission which will be sent to the Commission in the coming weeks.
The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this exercise in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.
12. Deputy John Brady asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the property and land and acreage of each owned by his Department in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lands in County Wicklow included in the property portfolio that are vested in the Minister for Defence are as follows:
Glen of Imal Artillery Range 2699 hectares
Coolmoney Camp and Lands 98 hectares
Rockbrae House and Lands, Bray 2 hectares
Range Warden’s Post, Seskin 0.4 hectares
In addition, Kilbride Camp and Rifle Range comprising 637 hectares is administered by the Minister for Defence and vested in the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
13. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason members of the Defence Forces who have served the country for more than 31 years face a reduction in their pension entitlements when they come to the age for drawing the State pension (contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12618/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra14. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of retired Defence Forces personnel with more than 31 years of service drawing a pension from the Defence Forces. [12619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra15. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel over 66 years of age who have had reductions in the Army pension when they reach the age to draw the State pension (contributory). [12620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 15, inclusive, together.
Under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces Pension Schemes, in the case of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Privates, 21 years is the minimum service required for an immediate retirement pension and gratuity, regardless of age. Under those Schemes, maximum retirement benefits accrue after 31 years. The 21-year pension, the rate of which varies according to retiring rank and other factors, is payable for the person’s lifetime.
Where qualifying service is more than 21 years, an ‘additional increment’ is payable at a flat rate (generally €8.94 a week currently) for each year of service in excess of 21 years up to a maximum of 31 years. However, under the pension scheme rules, this additional increment ceases to be payable when the pensioner reaches the qualifying age for the social welfare State Pension Contributory, that is, at age 66 to 68 depending on when the insured person was born.
I am advised that these arrangements are in accordance with the long established principle of integrating occupational pensions with Social Insurance benefits of employees who are in a full PRSI class. This includes NCOs and Privates, who are fully insured for the range of social insurance benefits under the Social Welfare Acts such as the State Pension.
Integration means that a person’s entitlement to social insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the rate of occupational pension payable. The State Pension is regarded as part of the overall pension package payable to the individual. The integration principle applies right across the public service and, indeed, in many areas of the private sector as well as in other countries.
I am also advised that the method of integration for these ‘pre-April 2004’ military pensioners is more favourable than in other areas of the public service where standard integration applies. In the public service generally, integration begins from the time the retirement pension starts payment, for example from age 60 where ‘standard pension accrual’ applies. However, these NCOs or Privates who serve 31 years having joined the Defence Forces at age 18/20, can qualify for maximum retirement benefits payable immediately from age 49/51. In their case, the integration process only begins when the State Pension becomes payable to them, for example, at age 66. Furthermore, the maximum personal rate of the State Pension (€238.30 currently) is considerably greater than any reduction that could arise under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pension arrangements by virtue of the loss of the additional increment on qualification for the State Pension.
The general issue of integration of retirement pensions in the public service was examined by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. Its Final Report, published in November 2000, was considered and broadly accepted by Government. The Commission accepted that integration is a fundamental component in the public service pension framework and was strongly of the view that it should be continued. It did not make any recommendations that would affect the current integration arrangements applicable to retired NCOs and Privates covered by the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pensions schemes.
I am advised that there are currently 8,645 retired NCOs and Privates in receipt of Defence Forces retirement pensions, of whom 2,737 had 31 years’ service or more. This latter figure includes retirees who have already reached State Pension age or who have yet to do so.
As regards the number of retired NCOs and Privates – with 22 or more years’ service – whose retirement pensions were reduced as a result of the cessation of the additional increment when they reached State Pension age (66), the information in question is being compiled from the relevant payroll data and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
16. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to provide overtime payments to members of the Defence Forces who recently worked in excess of their contracted hours during Storm Emma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll the available resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces were at the disposal of the principal response agencies in reaction to the recent extreme weather event. In this regard, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence made a substantial and coordinated contribution to local efforts on a national basis.
Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces. However a Military Service Allowance, which is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life including long and unsocial hours, is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel.
In addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. A range of duties attract further allowances. One of these is an Aid to the Civil Authorities Allowance which is paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force called out to assist local authorities in extreme weather events, outside of their normal military routine.
I was very impressed by the work carried out by the Defence Forces and Civil Defence arising from Storm Emma. The supports they provided assisted the Principal Response Agencies and communities in meeting the challenges that arose.
17. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of counties in which the Civil Defence was not deployed or partially deployed during Storm Emma due to lack of training or health and safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12715/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area. The CDO is a full time employee of the local authority and is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence matters under the overall direction of the relevant Chief Executive.
It is the responsibility of each local authority to decide when to deploy their Civil Defence Unit. During the recent heavy snowfall associated with Storm Emma 28 of the 29 Civil Defence Units around the country were deployed. A total of 350 Civil Defence members took part in these operations.
I would like to commend the Civil Defence Officers and volunteers for the great work they did over this period in support of the Principal Response Agencies including the Local Authorities, the National Ambulance Service and the Gardaí.
