Written Answers Nos. 61-76
61. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of conducting a screening programme for side effects of Lariam for Defence Force veterans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not undertaken any estimates with regard to such a project and the information is not available.
However, 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 for the Military Authorities. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in accessing the medical suitability of the 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 is aware that there is litigation pending, taken by current and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injuries as a consequence of their consumption of Lariam. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further.
62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the planned capital investment in Defence Force buildings and equipment over each of the next five years; the projects to be progressed in this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan (NDP) sets out Departmental Capital Allocations for the period 2018–2022. A total of €541 million has been allocated to the Defence Vote for the years 2018-2022, as follows:
Defence Capital Allocations 2018-2022
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
€Million |
77 |
106 |
113 |
120 |
125 |
541 |
This level of capital funding 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 identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and ensure that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
The following priority investment programmes and projects have been identified for inclusion under the Capital Allocation in the National Development Plan:
- Equipment renewal and replacement programmes including mid-life upgrade of the Army Mowag APC armoured fleet along with investment in further force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems;
- Procurement of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles;
- Replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Aircraft;
- CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme;
- On-going Naval vessel replacement programme, including acquisition of a multi-role vessel;
- Mid-life refit of the Naval Service vessels LÉ Niamh and LÉ Roisín;
- Virtual Desktop Architecture (VDA) project for Defence Forces;
- On-going investment in the modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure including accommodation, catering, workshops, storage and training facilities.
With regard to the modernisation and renewal of Defence Forces built infrastructure, the following projects are at various stages, from design tender to construction
- Replacement of secure storage facility in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh, Co. Kildare;
- Construction of new Gymnasia at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick and Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny;
- Upgrade of accommodation facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin;
- Upgrade and refurbishment works to the Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin;
- Upgrade and refurbishment works to the Cookhouse and Dining Hall, Custume Barracks, Athlone; and
- Upgrade of Fire Detection & Firefighting System at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co Cork.
In addition, during the lifetime of the National Development Plan, other equipment replacement and infrastructural development projects will be advanced across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as well as Civil Defence projects. These projects will be implemented on the basis of identified requirements and priorities, as set out in the White Paper.
The capital funding provided under the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
63. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of providing a 24-hour air ambulance service through the Air Corps, in terms of capital and current spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32059/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Corps carries out a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an ‘as available’ basis including the provision of air ambulance services to the HSE.
The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements. In addition to the Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.
The Air Corps continues to provide considerable support to the HSE both in the area of inter-hospital transfers and Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service. Current capacity constraints have however impacted on the Air Corps’ ability to provide night-time unscheduled inter-hospital service to the HSE.
I understand that the HSE has recently awarded a two year contract for the provision of an air ambulance service to transfer Priority 1 paediatric transplant patients to the UK between 7pm and 7.30am.
64. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of restoring all allowances to Defence Forces, per allowance, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are various factors which would impact on calculating the estimated costing in the manner sought by the Deputy. I am not in a position to provide this estimate as the information is not readily available.
Rates 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 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. By the end of the agreement the pay scales for all public servants (including members of the Permanent Defence Force) earning up to €70,000, will be restored to pre-FEMPI levels. The restoration of cuts to allowances will also be considered in the context of the Agreement.
65. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of restoring annual leave hours lost be members of the Defence Forces as a result of their exclusion from working time legislation in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32062/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principles underlying the Working Time Directive are based on ensuring the health and safety of employees. The implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces, have been the subject of an intensive and on-going review by my Department for some time. This is a complex matter having regard to the nature of the work of military forces, and the Working Time Directive recognises this complexity. An estimate as sought by the Deputy has not been conducted and is not available.
My Department has initiated discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations, through the Conciliation and Arbitration process with, regarding the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive to the Defence Forces.
As there is litigation pending in the High Court on the matter of the transposition of the Working Time Directive including as it relates to annual leave, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
66. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated costs of defending litigation on Lariam and Air Corps toxic chemical exposure in each year over the past ten years, excluding settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Claims Agency manages and provides legal representation in relation to personal injury claims taken against the Minister including claims in respect of current or former members of the Defence Forces in relation to alleged personal injuries that are referred to in the Deputy's question.
The Department reimburses the State Claims Agency in respect of any external legal costs. This Department does not hold details of the breakdown of the legal costs incurred in respect of the different categories of personal injuries claims managed by the State Claims Agency on behalf of my Department.
67. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.90 for all employees directly employed and-or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees attached to military installations.
The annual cost, excluding Employer's PRSI, of implementing a living wage of €11.90 per hour in respect of Civil Service Staff and Civilian Employees employed by my Department is estimated at €135,063.07. The costs in relation to Civilian Employees do not include those employees who are undergoing apprenticeship training.
The pay structures and conditions of service of members of the Permanent Defence Force contain professional and technical remuneration elements in addition to allowances in the nature of pay which reflect the unique aspects of military life both at home and abroad. As such, the non-standard time and attendance patterns of military personnel and the rates of remuneration associated with a wide spectrum of duties undertaken by such military personnel can vary across the different branches of the Defence Forces and, consequently, do not facilitate the general application of a threshold rate of pay.
68. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the proposed changes to laws and regulations to deal with illegal dumping on the Curragh plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislation regarding illegal dumping is primarily a matter in the first instance for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
There are a wide range of challenges and issues to be addressed when dealing with the Curragh which is approximately 4,870 acres in area and is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country.
The Curragh Forum agreed that a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act would be timely, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments, illegal dumping, illegal parking and other key issues. This review is progressing.
The response to illegal dumping is managed by the Department land staff and our environmental maintenance contractor in cooperation with the County Kildare Litter Warden, and in line with the obligations of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 - 2009. As I have alluded to previously, given the size and openness of the Curragh Plains it is difficult to prevent this activity. However, it is dealt with expeditiously once it has been identified.
69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the decision not to award the 1916 commemorative medal to members of an association (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the submission by the association will be given further consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government provided for the award of a commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
There are no plans to award this medal to former members of the Defence Forces. Since the foundation of the State many thousands of personnel have served in the Defence Forces. It would not be administratively possible within the resources of my Department to identify and contact all of these persons, decide on eligibility and, in the case of infirm or deceased former members, resolve who should get the medal on their behalf.
At my request however, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans Associations; the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.
Following these discussions it was agreed that a single presentation of a framed medal with an accompanying citation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations, in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches. I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans Associations at last year's Defence Forces Veterans Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Curragh, on Sunday 8 October 2017. The other plaques were presented separately.
70. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the deteriorating humanitarian and political situation in Nicaragua (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to Irish citizens in the country; if so, whether consular assistance will be made available to them; and if he will raise the matter with his counterparts in the European Union to request that the EU condemn the actions of the Nicaraguan Government against legitimate peaceful protest and the constraining of independent media from reporting on the atrocities being carried out. [31671/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the current crisis in Nicaragua and am seriously concerned by the deplorable loss of life and the high levels of violence and insecurity which exist in the country at present.
I wish to condemn unreservedly the appalling violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights or peacefully demonstrate in Nicaragua, as well as a culture of impunity where that exists. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are the cornerstones of any functioning democracy and those rights must be guaranteed.
A team from the UN Human Rights Office visited Nicaragua from 26 June to 3 July to carry out human rights monitoring and to support the work of the Verification and Security Commission, whose aim it is to disarm pro-government elements and to create conditions for the dismantling of barricades which have been erected by communities throughout the country.
I echo the statement made last week in the aftermath of that visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, calling on the Government of Nicaragua to take the necessary steps to recognise the seriousness of the situation and to adopt appropriate measures to protect the population and to prevent further deaths.
I also reiterate recent EU statements which conclude that the government of Nicaragua must impose internationally accepted standards of behaviour and practice on the police forces and disband violent groups. In order for dialogue to proceed under peaceful conditions and to guarantee the safety of participants, the police should avoid excessive force and armed groups must be reined in.
I firmly believe that inclusive dialogue remains the only way of negotiating a peaceful and democratic resolution to this crisis, which has serious national and regional implications, and of restoring the trust of the Nicaraguan people in the country’s institutions. In that regard I would encourage all relevant actors in Nicaragua to engage fully in the National Dialogue which has been mediated by the Catholic Episcopal Church.
Furthermore, I fully recognise the important role played by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in this process. The IACHR has been funded by my Department in the past and we hope to continue with similar funding to the organisation in 2018 in order to support its important work.
Ireland’s Embassy in Mexico City is responsible for Ireland’s relations with Nicaragua. The advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at present is to avoid all non-essential travel to Nicaragua. The Embassy has not been contacted by any Irish citizens currently in Nicaragua seeking consular assistance. The Embassy of Ireland in Mexico and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stand ready to provide consular assistance as needed.
While Ireland does not have a resident embassy in Managua, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and working with partners on the ground, we will continue to follow the situation in Nicaragua closely, and to raise any concerns in discussions on Nicaragua at EU and international level.
71. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the ratio of men and women at each Civil Service grade in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to advancing gender equality and ensuring that women are represented fully in our teams at home and abroad. Our Missions abroad, and our senior management structures at home, need to be representative of the people of Ireland and better gender balance will help us achieve one element of that ambition.
My Department has an active Management Board Gender Equality Sub-Committee, which feeds into Management Board deliberations as well as two working groups focusing on gender equality and diversity issues. The work that we are doing, through our Gender Equality Action Plan, is complemented by the wider work on gender being driven through the Civil Service Renewal Process.
The percentages of men and women at each civil service grade within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at 30 June 2018 are detailed in the following table:
|
Grade |
% Female |
% Male |
|
Secretary General |
100% |
|
|
Second Secretary General |
25% |
75% |
|
Deputy Secretary General |
100% |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
31.8% |
68.2% |
|
Counsellor |
36% |
64% |
|
Principal Officer |
26.3% |
73.7% |
|
Principal Development Specialist |
39% |
61% |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
45.5% |
54.5% |
|
Assistant Legal Advisor |
62.5% |
37.5% |
|
First Secretary |
48% |
52% |
|
Assistant Principal |
50.6% |
49.4% |
|
Assistant Principal Add-Ons |
42% |
58% |
|
Professional Accountant |
31% |
69% |
|
Development Specialist |
64.3% |
35.7% |
|
Architect |
67% |
33% |
|
Third Secretary |
57.5% |
42.5% |
|
Administrative Officer |
50% |
50% |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
56.7% |
43.3% |
|
Systems Analyst HEO |
50% |
50% |
|
Executive Officer |
62% |
38% |
|
Systems Analyst EO |
100% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
67.1% |
32.9% |
|
Cleaners |
100% |
|
|
Services Officers |
100% |
|
|
Night-Watchman |
100% |
|
|
Civilian Driver |
100% |
|
|
Political Appointees |
57% |
43% |
72. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the political situation in Poland; the steps being taken by the EU on the threat to the rule of law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31901/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDialogue has been ongoing between the European Commission and Poland regarding the rule of law since January 2016, when the Commission initiated its rule of law process following changes introduced by the Polish Government to the functioning and composition of Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal. This is the first time that this mechanism has been used.
The Commission issued further recommendations to Poland on 27 July 2016, 21 December 2016 and 26 July 2017, following a series of further reforms introduced by the Polish Government to the country’s judicial system, including the Polish Supreme Court. On 20 December 2017, the Commission proposed to the Council to initiate proceedings under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union, and adopted recommendations of actions for the Polish Government to take. Since then, further exchanges have taken place between the Commission and the Polish authorities, and the Polish Parliament has adopted a number of amendments to some aspects of the Polish Government’s changes to the country’s judicial system. However, in the Commission’s assessment, these amendments do not address the primary concerns that had been identified.
The issue was discussed a number of times at the General Affairs Council since the start of this year. However, in setting the agenda for the GAC meeting on 26 June, the Commission requested that a hearing in accordance with Article 7(1) TEU take place at that meeting. Ireland supported the Commission’s request.
This hearing took place and provided an opportunity for Member States to have a more in-depth discussion with Poland on the issue. The hearing on 26 June did not resolve this matter, with the result that the Article 7 process is ongoing.
On 2 July, the European Commission gave notice of its intention to initiate infringement procedures with regard to the law on the Polish Supreme Court. The Polish Government has been requested to respond to the Commission notice within one month. This is separate to the ongoing procedure under Article 7 (1).
The European Commission has said that it stands ready to continue the ongoing rule of law dialogue with Poland. Ireland has consistently supported the Commission in its efforts to resolve this matter, and I would encourage the Polish authorities to engage further with the Commission with a view to addressing the concerns which have been identified.
73. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his staff have had engagements or meetings in 2018 with the Hungarian Prime Minister; if so, the details of these engagements or meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31902/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally raised at European Foreign Affairs Council meetings issues regarding Hungary, including the threat to the rule of law and the anti-democratic actions of its Prime Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31903/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
Engagement with all EU Member States is a key priority for Ireland in protecting and advancing our interests at EU level. In such engagements, we raise not just issues of mutual interest but issues of concern.
There are concerns over the civic space available for NGOs to continue to operate in Hungary. These concerns have been exacerbated by the passage of legislation recently by the Hungarian Parliament aimed at individuals and organisations providing assistance to migrants and asylum seekers.
The European Commission is, in the first instance, charged with ensuring the application of the Treaties and is responsible for promoting the general interest of the Union.
Last December, the Commission announced that it was referring Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to inter-alia, the laws on higher education (the “Lex CEU”) and on NGOs adopted in 2017. In the case of these two issues, Hungary is considered to have failed to address EU concerns about these laws or amend the legislation to bring it in line with EU standards. These cases are likely to be heard by the Court later this year.
Notwithstanding this, it is important that Hungary and the European Commission engage on these issues and that, ultimately, a resolution may be achieved.
The Foreign Affairs Council oversees the EU's external actions and for this reason has not held formal discussions relating to the rule of law in Hungary. The General Affairs Council addresses horizontal and cross-cutting issues, including rule of law issues. For example, it is currently, at the request of the European Commission, examining the issue of the rule of law in Poland.
Our concerns about issues relating to the rule of law in Hungary are well known and were raised by the Taoiseach when he met with Prime Minister Orban on 4 January last.
75. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on external consultant reports by his Department since May 2016; the name and cost of each report, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31906/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes - Vote 27 (International Co-operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade).
The Department seeks to minimise expenditure on consultants and commissions external expertise only in areas where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, in particular, where independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagement, these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other analysis or documentation for the Department.
In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform, the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
Some consultancies are engaged directly by Missions abroad, including to prepare technical reports relating to Ireland’s overseas development programme.
Certain reports commissioned by the Department are for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many Irish Aid-related reports are published on www.irishaid.ie.
Consultancy services are procured by competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objectives of the Department. The expenditure is also subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
I refer the Deputy to written parliamentary question 15201/18 responded to on 17 April 2018 which provided details of the amount of expenditure, extracted from the Department’s financial management system, in each of the years 2015 to 2017 including the name and number of consultants engaged. Details of relevant expenditure to date 2018, including ongoing consultancies, is provided in the following table.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Expenditure on consultancy to date 2018
|
Year |
Total Amount of Expenditure (€) |
Number of Consultants |
Consultant |
|
2018 |
76,179 |
8 |
Brian Casey Niall Roche Julia Lewis Eleanor O’Gorman, Hannah Grene, Deirdre Clancy Muriel Visser Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham house) |
76. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost of providing an extra passport printing machine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31907/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport printing and the personalisation of each passport requires highly specialised machinery, auxiliary equipment and a temperature-controlled environment. The production equipment and suites need continual engineering support and trained staff to manage the sites.
The purchase cost of a new passport printing machine is in excess of €1.7 million. This does not include the cost of maintenance, security, managed services, fit-out, staffing and rental costs.
