Michael Moynihan
Ceist:11. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if he has met Presbyterian Church leaders recently. [26559/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (11)
Freagraí scríofa
On 22nd January 2018 I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.
I was accompanied by the Ministers for Justice and Equality; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills; Health; Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This was the second in a series of meetings that I will be holding with dialogue partners. We discussed important social and economic issues facing Irish society including Brexit, education issues and the 8th Amendment of the Constitution as well as International issues.
Churches and faith communities play an important role in Irish life and I think it is very beneficial that Government should engage with them in a structured way.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (12)
Joan Burton
Ceist:12. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has held meetings with Church leaders and faith communities. [26521/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 22nd January 2018 I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.
I was accompanied by the Ministers for Justice and Equality; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills; Health; Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This was the second in a series of meetings that I will be holding with dialogue partners. We discussed important social and economic issues facing Irish society including Brexit, education issues and the 8th Amendment of the Constitution as well as International issues.
On 31 August last, I held a formal meeting under the structured dialogue process with representatives of the Catholic Church, led by Archbishop Eamon Martin.
I was accompanied at this meeting by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and by the Ministers for Education and Skills; Health; Transport, Tourism and Sport and Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
A wide ranging discussion took place on a range of important national and international issues including the World Meeting of Families in August 2018 and the possibility of a visit to Ireland by the Pope, education issues, the 8th Amendment of the Constitution, Northern Ireland, overseas development aid, social and justice issues.
Churches and faith communities play an important role in Irish life and I think it is very beneficial that Government should engage with them in a structured way.
I also received a courtesy call from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, as is traditional around Christmas time and the New Year.
Questions Nos. 13 to 34, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 35 to 40, inclusive, answered orally.
Air Corps Operations
Ceisteanna (41)
James Browne
Ceist:41. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on Air Corps fishery patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27752/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 established the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) as the competent Authority for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries protection legislation and the sustainable exploitation of marine fish resources from the waters around Ireland.
To this end, the SFPA has a Service Level Agreement with my Department to secure efficient enforcement of sea-fisheries law through support provided by the Defence Forces. My Department agrees a control plan each year with the SFPA to deliver this support.
The Air Corps compliments the Naval Service patrols in Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through its Maritime Patrol Squadron which carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with surveillance and communication equipment. The Air Corps' CESSNA aircraft also provide in-shore patrols, while they remain in service, in support of fishery protection.
The two CASA aircraft have the second and third highest hours of utilisation in the World. One aircraft alone has accumulated a total of 20,400 hours since its introduction. The vast majority of those hours have been utilised in a fishery protection role. The intensity of the usage of the aircraft in this mission profile has enabled the Air Corps to gather a vast array of data concerning its territorial waters that has positively contributed to the on-going protection of Ireland’s waters.
A total of 227 patrols were undertaken in 2017 and to-date in 2018, the Air Corps has conducted over 70 fishery protection missions.
It should be acknowledged that both aircraft are coming near their end of life and the procurement of replacement aircraft is currently underway.
Questions Nos. 42 to 46, inclusive, answered orally.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (47)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:47. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his Department's preparations for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27604/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Brexit will have implications across all aspects of the business of the European Union. While the vote does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement within the EU in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), it is expected that Brexit will have an impact on future developments in the Defence sphere.
Structures have been put in place in my Department to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit including the assignment of responsibility to a senior official at Assistant Secretary General level for Brexit related matters. The senior official is leading the Department’s input to deliberations within the framework established across Government. In addition, the Management Board is acting as a clearing house for Brexit and maintains oversight of all Brexit related matters on an ongoing basis.
In respect of the border, the potential implications in this regard will emerge during the course of the negotiations. It is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.
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 and the civil authorities. The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review and there will continue to be ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including through regular coordination and liaison meetings.
My Department, together with the Naval Service and the Air Corps are also working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), who are the competent authority on fishery matters.
In addition, the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning has been briefed on potential emergency planning implications/issues that may arise from Brexit. The GTF will continue to monitor any future impacts on emergency planning that may arise as the Brexit negotiations unfold.
Public Service Pay Commission Reports
Ceisteanna (48)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:48. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on issues affecting the Defence Forces is on schedule to be published before the end of 2018; and if he has engaged with an association (details supplied) before preparing his Department's submission to the commission. [27736/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought issues of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces to the attention of the Public Sector Pay Commission. As a direct result of that initiative the Public Service Pay Commission is now beginning an in-depth evidence based examination of those issues.
The Public Service Pay Commission has requested hard data and detailed information from my Department. My Department has been working in close collaboration with Military management with the aim of preparing the material requested.
My Department has forwarded an initial tranche of information to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to Air Corps pilots. Further material in relation to the challenges in the Defence sector will be forwarded to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, for onward submission to the Public Service Pay Commission, in the coming weeks, as the collation of data and information is completed.
I understand that both PDFORRA and RACO were requested to make a submissions by the Commission. I am informed that the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations made their submissions independently.
I do not have responsibility for the Public Service Pay Commission and therefore cannot comment on the timelines for the completion of its work.
The Department of Defence will continue to engage with the Public Service Pay Commission throughout the process and will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations that arises from the work of the Commission.
Defence Forces Resources
Ceisteanna (49)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to have available to them the equipment, training and personnel to meet all eventualities in which they might be called upon in emergency or other situations; if adequate updating, upgrading and upskilling takes place with regularity in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27711/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government both at home and overseas.
The Government is committed to ensuring the upgrade of Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. As part of budgetary negotiations in 2017, additional capital funding was allocated bringing the capital envelope up to €416m over the 2018-2021 timeframe. This will allow for significant investment in equipment and infrastructure over the coming years as identified and prioritised in the White Paper on Defence. It emphasises the importance attached by this Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capability necessary to deliver all the roles assigned by Government.
In relation to the Army, there is ongoing investment in force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition. A significant investment is being made in the Army’s fleet of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers. A mid-life upgrade programme is underway at a cost of €55m plus VAT which will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. The first nine upgraded vehicles were recently delivered. Additionally, twenty four (24) 4 x 4 Armoured Utility Vehicles have been acquired and it is planned to take delivery later this year of new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will also enhance force protection.
In relation to the Air Corps, the Government is currently investing over €32m plus VAT in three fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) with delivery to commence in 2019. A tender competition is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft.
Within the Naval Service, examples of the approach include the acquisition of new modern ships under the ship replacement programme. Three Offshore Patrol Vessels have been delivered since 2014 and a fourth ship, to be named, LÉ George Bernard Shaw, is due to be delivered later this year, reflecting an investment of over €250m. While a project has commenced to acquire a new multi role vessel to replace the flagship LÉ Eithne.
The examples given, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capabilities. In this regard, the primary function of training and education of personnel in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the military capabilities necessary to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. There is an ongoing development of capabilities and skills of personnel in the Defence Forces with a planned programme of training of personnel which is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy has been adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021. Considerable training expertise exists within the Defence Forces and this expertise is continually benchmarked against best international practice. Where the capability exists, highly trained and knowledgeable training instructors deliver relevant training in-house. Where appropriate, Defence Forces personnel are also sent on relevant external courses, both within Ireland and internationally.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment and training which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to emergency or other situations that may arise.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (50)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the issues of pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces and the lack of suitable equipment to enable them to carry out their duties are the crucial factors in the difficulty in recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27742/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces have traditionally been set by reference to, inter alia, relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. Defence Forces pay is increasing in line with recent public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay.
Members of the Defence Forces received increases in pay in 2017 under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition, in a deal agreed with PDFORRA, improved pay scales were also implemented for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013.
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.
The Defence Forces offer competitive starting salaries and excellent career opportunities for any young person thinking about joining. Following the series of pay increases in the last 12 months, a three star private on completion of training starts on €27,257 (inclusive of military service allowance). This represents an increase of 25% on the starting pay scale of this rank in the last 12 months. This starting pay compares very favourably with other entry level pay rates across the public service.
A newly commissioned officer starts on a salary in excess of €35,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance), following 15 months training. If officers are already graduates they start on a salary in excess of €40,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance). These rates of pay compare favourably with the average graduate salary across all sectors.
I am not aware of a situation where lack of equipment is impinging on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. I am committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces continue to be suitably equipped, in line with EU and international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. In this regard future equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence, as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
The Defence Forces have a higher turnover rate that other areas in the public service. This is a feature of military organisations internationally and is not unique to Ireland. There is ongoing recruitment to meet demand and the Defence Forces must compete with other employers in a strong economy. The Defence Forces provides excellent developmental opportunities for those who wish to pursue a military career and continues to attract high quality applicants for available positions.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 42.
Permanent Structured Co-operation
Ceisteanna (52)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:52. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the feedback received on the national implementation plan for PESCO projects; and the date on which the plan will be published. [27733/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Participation in PESCO confirms our position as a fully committed EU Member State and enhances our capacity to influence the future EU agenda on CSDP.
Under PESCO, Member States come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. Security and Defence is a key priority for the Union in the face of new threats and security challenges which are beyond the capacity of a State acting alone and where member States must work together to address them – e.g. Hybrid, Cyber and trans-national terrorism threats. PESCO provides a mechanism whereby member States can work together to address these challenges. Ireland is participating in two PESCO projects - A Centre of Excellence for EU Military Training Missions and the Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance Systems. Ireland has observer status on a further eight PESCO projects.
The PESCO National Implementation Plan sets out Member States' plans to meet the commitments and criteria as set out in the Annex to the Council Decision establishing Permanent Structured Cooperation. Ireland, along with all other PESCO Participants, submitted its Draft National Implementation Plan to the PESCO Secretariat last December.
The feedback from the PESCO Secretariat which was generally positive, is currently being reviewed by my Department in consultation with the military authorities. At EU level, the template for PESCO National Implementation Plans and the related information requirements are being refined on the basis of those first drafts and following engagement by the PESCO Secretariat with participating Member States. Further Council Decisions are required in relation to PESCO project priorities, project participants and governance, and the sequencing of the PESCO commitments going forward. Decisions in respect of these matters need to be completed before the National Implementation Plan can be finalised.
Work is under way to finalise the Plan by year end. In relation to publication of the National Implementation Plan, I will consider this when the plan has been finalised. In that regard, it will be necessary to consider the nature of some of the information in the plan which may be classified or commercially sensitive.
Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 42.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (54)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:54. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure better pay and working conditions for members of the Defence Forces; the further steps being taken to ensure appropriate supports are available to current and former members of the Defence Forces that may be experiencing financial difficulties; if he is satisfied that current recruitment methods are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27749/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces have traditionally been set by reference to, inter alia, relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. Defence Forces pay is increasing in line with recent public sector pay agreements.
Members of the Defence Forces received pay increases in pay in 2017 under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition, in a deal agreed with PDFORRA, improved pay scales were implemented for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was considered and accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, 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.
The Defence Forces offer competitive starting salaries and excellent career opportunities for any young person thinking about joining. Following the series of pay increases in the last 12 months, a three star private on completion of training starts on €27,257 (inclusive of military service allowance). This represents an increase of 25% on the starting pay scale of this rank in the last 12 months. This starting pay compares very favourably with other entry level pay rates across the public service.
A newly commissioned officer starts on a salary in excess of €35,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance), following 15 months training. If officers are already graduates they start on a salary in excess of €40,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance). These rates of pay compare favourably with the average graduate salary across all sectors.
Recruitment methods are kept under ongoing review and I receive regular briefings on progress against plans from my Officials and the Defence Forces. I have directed that options be developed to provide for re-entry of former members of the Permanent Defence Force to fill gaps in specialist positions. I have also directed that options for greater use of direct entry for specialist posts should also be developed.
The Government recognises the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department hold regular meetings with recognised veterans' organisations including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. This organisation provides tremendous support to assist former members of the Defence Forces who may have fallen on hard times.
I will be attending the launch of O.N.E's annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal tomorrow (27 June 2018).
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (55)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:55. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has engaged with the Department of Education and Skills with regard to the need to upgrade schools on the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27739/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is not currently engaged in discussions with the Department of Education & Skills in relation to school provision and accommodation requirements for the existing schools in the Curragh Camp. While the planning for and provision of school accommodation is primarily a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills, my Department is open to discussions with that Department in relation to the future planning provision for schools in that area.
Curragh Plains Representative Forum
Ceisteanna (56)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:56. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the establishment of a new lands management team and a new environmental maintenance contract for the Curragh plains; the ongoing work to identify suitable locations for car parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The recruitment process for the appointment of a new lands management team will continue in 2018 and as part of this team a new Curragh Maor was recently appointed. This team will oversee all activities on the ground including, but not limited to, littering, sheep branding, patrolling, monitoring users of lands, inspection of property boundaries, illegal encampments and engagement with the public.
In relation to the award of a new environmental maintenance contract for the Curragh, I can advise that it is my Department's intention to commence this procurement process in the coming months.
Preliminary work has been undertaken in identifying suitable locations for the construction of car parking facilities on the Curragh plains. Further detailed work on the design and associated costings will be progressed as part of my Department's infrastructural programme.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (57)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:57. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action that will be taken by the Defence Forces on foot of the recent decision regarding the construction of an incinerator at Ringaskiddy and its possible impact on operations at Haulbowline naval base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27755/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials, with assistance from members of the Defence Forces, routinely assess relevant planning applications, on a case by case basis, for possible impact on Defence Forces operations. When considered necessary, my Department makes a submission to the relevant planning body as part of the planning process.
During the course of public hearings regarding the proposed Waste to Energy Facility at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, my Department, having consulted with the Air Corps and the Naval Service, made a number of observations on factors that, in its view, should be considered by An Bord Pleanála during the planning process.
It is understood that the issues raised and observations made have been taken into account in An Bord Pleanála’s recent decision.
My Department will consider in detail the decision, in consultation with the Naval Service and the Air Corps, including its possible impact on Defence Forces operations at Haulbowline.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 42.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (59)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:59. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if changes are planned to the Defence Forces current overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 30 May 2018, Ireland is contributing 643 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 376 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 137 personnel.
The Government recently approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNDOF. Approximately 130 Defence Forces personnel are currently based in Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. An additional 8 personnel are based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. In line with the UN's planned redeployment of the mission back to the Syrian side of the area of separation, and incremental return of the UNDOF mission to Camp Faouar has been ongoing since November 2016. The planned Phase III involves a full return of military personnel, including the Irish contingent comprising Force Reserve Company, to Camp Faouar. It is anticipated that Defence Forces personnel will have fully relocated to Camp Faouar by September 2018.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 22 May 2018 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. Irish troops are currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL. Since May 2015 the Finnish contingent has included an Estonian Platoon comprising some 36 personnel.
Finland has advised the United Nations that, for operational reasons linked to national commitments, it will end its participation in the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL on 31 December 2018. In the absence of the Finnish contingent, the Estonian contingent has also advised that it will withdraw from the UNIFIL Battalion. I am currently considering the option to temporarily replace the Finnish contingent by increasing Ireland's contribution to UNIFIL for a 12 period up to November 2019. It is anticipated that a suitable partner country will be sourced to allow Ireland to reduce its contribution to UNIFIL at that time.
At the Government meeting on 27 February 2018, I secured approval for the deployment in 2018 of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to serve once again as part of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy naval mission in the Mediterranean. The Naval Service vessel, L.É. Samuel Beckett is currently in the area of operations and will be replaced by L.É. James Joyce in July. The Naval Service will deploy for a period of approximately 30 weeks in total to this mission in 2018.
Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with 20 personnel; the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with five (5) personnel and the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU and OSCE headquarters. There are no planned changes to our continued participation in our major missions at this time.
Defence Forces Deployment
Ceisteanna (60)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:60. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken to ensure the safety of Irish troops deployed to the Golan Heights. [27732/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013. The 57th Infantry Group comprising approximately 130 personnel, are currently based in Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. An additional 8 Irish personnel are based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation including the Mission Chief of Staff, Colonel Michael Dawson.
In line with the UN's plan for redeployment of the mission back to the Syrian side of the area of separation, an incremental return of the UNDOF mission to Camp Faouar has been ongoing since November 2016. The planned Phase III involves a full return of military personnel, including the Irish contingent comprising Force Reserve Company, to Camp Faouar. It is anticipated that the relocation of the UNDOF mission to the Syrian side will be completed by September 2018.
I have previously advised that certain conditions would have to be met before a full return of Irish Defence Force personnel to Camp Faouar would be permitted. Significant action, including reconstruction and re-enforcement of Camp Faouar and its facilities and observation posts and restoration of appropriate has been ongoing for some time, with major progress made in recent months. A detailed review of the conditions in UNDOF was recently carried out by senior military personnel. The military authorities have advised that the necessary infrastructural requirements in relation to force protection, accommodation and medical facilities are in place in the Camp. Based on that assessment, I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel can relocate to Camp Faouar in accordance with the phased implementation of the UN Plan. This would mean the completion of that relocation, probably in September.
The security situation in UNDOF will continue to be monitored closely and any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and security of personnel will be made as required.
The safety of Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Our ability to protect the health and safety of our personnel is of paramount concern when considering any mission.
While no absolute guarantees can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in missions, it is the policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are appropriately trained and equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.