Peter Burke
Ceist:52. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the protest of 19 September 2018 regarding pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. [39913/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (52, 58, 74)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:58. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the demonstration by members of organisations (details supplied); if the demonstration has impacted on his approach to budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Martin Heydon
Ceist:74. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces veterans and families march over pay and conditions. [40065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 58 and 74 together.
I am aware of the views expressed and the issues raised in relation to the Parade which took place on 19 September 2018. I note in particular the call for the restoration of pay.
As you are aware, similar to other areas of the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures necessary to stabilise national finances during the financial crisis.
The economic recovery and a resumption of economic growth has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a sustainable and fair recovery in public service payscales.
Defence Forces pay and that of other public servants is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. The Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations balloted their members, who voted to accept the terms of these pay agreements.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition in 2017, following negotiations with PDFORRA improved pay scales for general service recruits and privates, who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were implemented.
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. The first increase due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase is due to be applied from 1 October 2018. In fact, enlisted members of the Permanent Defence Force will see the increase in today's wage packet. Further increases in pay are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.
New entrants to the Defence Forces will also benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to amendments to the pay scales for new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
Measures such as the implementation of the Working Time Directive for members of the Permanent Defence Force and a review of contracts for enlisted personnel are under active consideration. The Department of Defence is engaging with the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations on these matters through the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme.
Defence Forces Medical Services
Ceisteanna (53)
James Browne
Ceist:53. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the supports provided for members of the Defence Forces who undergo traumatic experiences while serving on UN mandated missions. [39908/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are fully aware of the importance of providing he robust supports required by personnel for whatever reason. A range of medical and non-medical services are available to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are medically fit to undertake the duties assigned to them and to treat any medical condition that may arise.
Psychiatric and psychological services, as well as the Defence Force Personnel Support Service (PSS), are available to members of the Defence Forces. These provide for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric or psychological disorders through to counselling and critical incident stress management.
Defences Force personnel preparing for deployment overseas undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and provide for their protection. As part of the mission readiness process, all such personnel are provided with briefings, by qualified PSS staff, on critical incidents and their effects, along with stress management and wellness. Personnel are also issued with the Defence Force guide to Critical Incident Stress Management, which provides useful information including how to manage stress associated with such incidents.
In response to any significant operational incidents at home or overseas, PSS personnel trained in Critical Incident Stress Management are deployed to provide both one-to-one and group psychological support. In addition, prior to deployment, PSS trains a cross section of personnel in Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support which enables them to provide initial psychological support, or Psychological First Aid as it might be called, to any personnel who may be affected by a traumatic incident. Such support would include normalising the reactions, enhancing individual stress management and where appropriate referral of personnel to additional resources such as the unit medical officer.
Defence Forces personnel have, while on a tour of duty and following their return home, access to a Primary Carer Medical Practitioner, either military (Medical Officer) or civilian (GP), whose role it is to assess, diagnose, treat and refer individuals as necessary. Personnel experiencing psychological issues can be referred for assessment and treatment as appropriate.
I am satisfied that these measures provide comprehensive supports to individuals in the Defence Forces who may require them, and I can assure you that all such supports are kept under review.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (54)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:54. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the activities of the Defence Forces in the Golan Heights UNDOF mission, in particular their transition back to the Syrian side of the area relevant to the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39998/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has been a successful mission in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region. A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) since 2013.
Following significant events in August 2014 in the area of separation, the UNDOF mission relocated temporarily from Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation to Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation.
The process to return to the Syrian side of the area of separation was commenced in 2016 with the enhancement of force protection measures at Camp Faouar.
In March 2018, the UNDOF Headquarters returned to Camp Faouar and the Chief of Staff UNDOF, Colonel Michael Dawson, together with seven other members of the Defence Forces moved with the headquarters. The main Irish contingent, comprising a Force Reserve Company of some 130 personnel, completed their relocation to Camp Faouar on 3 September 2018. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with the on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The Irish Infantry Group is also tasked with carrying out patrols and convey escorts as necessary.
The relocation of Irish personnel follows on-going assessment of the security situation in the region and the continued enhancement of the force protection measures and living standards within Camp Faouar.
The UNDOF mission maintains regular contact with the Israeli Defence Forces and Syrian Arab Armed Forces in the context of its role in the area of separation, ensuring the security and safety of its personnel and a common understanding of its role between the parties.
The continued presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and the Middle East region.
As the Deputy will be aware, there has, unfortunately, been a delay this week in the return home of personnel from the 57th Infantry Group and the deployment of the 58th Infantry Group. This was due to circumstances beyond our control. The Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ireland’s embassy in Cairo are actively engaging with authorities in Lebanon and Syria and with the UN and the UNDOF mission to secure the relevant clearances in order to ensure the rotation of the contingent and the return home of those personnel completing service with UNDOF at the earliest opportunity.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 51.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (56)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:56. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 01 October 2018, Ireland is contributing 616 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 353 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 128 personnel and the Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Operation Sophia) with 61 personnel.
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.
When I sought Government approval, I advised that both Finland and Estonia will withdraw from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL on 31 December 2018. I also informed Government that options were being examined for replacing the Finnish contingent, including the option for the temporary increase of the Irish Defence Force contingent.
In August 2018, I advised the Government that I have approved the additional deployment of approximately 106 Defence Forces Personnel to the UNIFIL mission to cover the backfilling of the absent Finnish contingent for the 12 period from November 2018 to November 2019. Discussions are on-going with potential partner countries who may be in a position to provide a permanent replacement for the Finnish contingent after November 2019.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Naval Service Vessels
Ceisteanna (57, 68, 70)
Seamus Healy
Ceist:57. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the construction of the multi-role naval vessel at an estimated cost of €200 million that it has been decided will be purchased has been put out to tender; if so, if a tender has been accepted; if the purchase price or part thereof or other procurement costs of the vessel will be included in his Department's allocation in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39911/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:68. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the rationale for the purchase of a new multi-role naval vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40060/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:70. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the planned purchase of a multi-role naval vessel; the cost of the vessel; the tendering procedures; if this will be part of budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40059/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 68 and 70 together.
As I have already stated, 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.
As the State’s principal sea-going agency, and in accordance with international and domestic law, the Naval Service, through its patrols, undertakes a variety of functions in the maritime domain in accordance with its role in contributing to maritime security. This encompasses the provision of support to other Government Departments and Agencies such the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. The Defence Forces will continue to provide a range of supports to these Bodies in accordance with its roles in aid to the civil power and to the civil authority and as set out in the applicable Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements. In addition, the Naval Service role has expanded in recent years with significant additional operational requirements for the Naval fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.
Future Naval Service capabilities are being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process which will determine the Defence Organisation's maritime capabilities. The White Paper provides for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV). It is the Government’s intent that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas. The acquisition of a modern vessel will ensure that the operational capabilities of the Naval Service, as the State’s principal seagoing agency, are maintained to the greatest extent and takes account of the overall policy approach in the White Paper on Defence.
Planning has commenced on this project and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV. The design and configuration of the vessel is being considered as part of the planning process. The Deputy has speculated that the new MRV will cost €200m. However it is the case that the cost of the MRV will only be known once the tender competition is concluded. This procurement is, of course, subject to the availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. As the budgetary position for 2019 has not yet been finalised, it would be premature of me to discuss the Defence allocation in that regard. However, I remain very committed as Minister with Responsibility for Defence to continue to work to ensure that the financial resources are made available to the Defence organisation to ensure that the required equipment and infrastructure projects proceed in a diligent manner so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service carry out their various roles, both at home and overseas.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 52.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (59)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:59. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether additional resources allocated to the area of defence should be prioritised at addressing soldiers' pay and conditions as opposed to prioritising military hardware; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39910/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Appropriate investment in Defence capabilities is an essential component of a coherent defence policy. It is necessary to invest in equipment and infrastructure as well as personnel. In this context, approximately 72% of the Defence Vote 36 budget relates to pay and pensions and the balance relates to current expenditure for running costs and capital expenditure. An increase in the pay allocation to the detriment of non-pay and capital expenditure is not a viable option.
The restoration of pay for all public servants, including Defence Forces personnel is a priority for me and for the Government.
Similar to other areas within the Public Service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced during the financial crisis as one of he measures necessary to stabilise the national finances. The economic recovery and a resumption of economic growth has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a sustainable and fair recovery in public service payscales.
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. Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition in 2017, following negotiations with PDFORRA improved pay scales for general service recruits and privates, who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were implemented.
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. The first increase due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase is due to be applied from 1 October 2018. In fact enlisted members of the Permanent Defence Force will see the increase in today's wage packet. Further increases in pay are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.
New entrants to the Defence Forces will also benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to amendments to the pay scales for new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.
Defence Forces Equipment
Ceisteanna (60, 73)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment, including vehicles, aircraft and sea-going vessels, continue to be upgraded and updated in line with best international practice and in anticipation of Brexit, which is likely to involve greater responsibilities for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:73. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the purchase of military equipment including a multi-role vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39909/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 73 together.
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 to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.
The mid life upgrade programme for the Army’s fleet of eighty MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. Additionally, twenty four 4 x 4 Armoured Utility Vehicles were acquired in 2017, and this year we are taking delivery of ten new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will provide essential force protection overseas. There are currently no plans for the purchase of a Multi-Role Vehicle.
The Government is currently investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with three larger and more capable fixed wing utility Pilatus PC 12 aircraft which are being equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance). These aircraft will be delivered in 2019 and 2020. Planning is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft and a tender competition is currently underway in this regard.
The ongoing Naval Service ship replacement programme is evidence of the Government's commitment to investment in the Naval Service. Three new Offshore Patrol Vessels have been delivered since 2014 and a fourth is due to be delivered later this year. In addition, planning is underway for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel.
The examples given, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. As part of budgetary negotiations for 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 I have previously outlined to the House, the UK decision to exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to greater responsibilities for the Defence Forces. Prudent planning in relation to all security situations that may require a Defence Forces response is part of the day-to-day operations of the Defence Forces and, as such, is addressed within existing resources.
Should a situation arise beyond the contingent requirement for Defence Forces deployment already provided for in the Defence Vote, this would be addressed in the normal course within the budgetary discussions on defence funding.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
Defence Forces Contracts
Ceisteanna (61)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:61. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to implement the Working Time Directive for members of the Defence Forces. [39960/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have previously informed the House, a Government Decision dated 18 November 2016 approved the drafting of the Heads of Bill to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. This will remove the blanket exclusion of An Garda Síochána and members of the Defence Forces from its range and will be subject to the application of the appropriate exclusions and/or derogations permitted by Directive 2003/88/EC. Work is underway in both the Department of Defence and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection towards the progression of this decision.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have undertaken significant work in examining the nature of the duties of the Defence Forces and how the Working Time Directive can be applied to the members of the Defence Forces. It is necessary to ensure that all work arrangements meet all of the provisions of the Directive, including arrangements to manage changes in work practices. The review of Defence Force activities found that it would appear that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Directive. Certain activities were identified which the military authorities consider cannot be undertaken within the terms of the Directive without compromising the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force and would require exemption from the provisions of the Directive, while certain other activities would require derogation from its terms.
The Department of Defence is engaging through the Conciliation and Arbitration process with the Defence Forces Representative Associations to discuss the application of the Working Time Directive to the Defence Forces.
Litigation taken by a member of the Permanent Defence Force in respect of the applicability of certain elements of the Working Time Directive to the Defence Forces was settled recently in the High Court having regard to the specific circumstances of that case. Further litigation in relation to the Working Time Directive as it relates to the Defence Forces is pending.
For these reasons it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 51.
Defence Forces Strength
Ceisteanna (63)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:63. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the fact that Army units are being forced to operate with less than 50% of their commissioned officer ranks; his further views on whether this compromises command, safety, governance and well-being of those who serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40003/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service.
The whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force for the end of September is estimated at 9,000 personnel which includes the 95th Cadet Class of 85 recruits which was inducted on the 24th September.
The 9,500 establishment provides for the full staffing of each Unit within the Defence Forces organisational structures. The strength versus establishment for each Unit is determined by the extent to which vacancies within the establishment for each Unit is filled. There are vacancies across most Units and recruitment efforts are underway to address those vacancies.
As of 31 August 2018, the number of whole-time equivalent officers was 1,115 representing 90.4% of the agreed establishment strength of 1,233 officers. The suggestion that there are 50% vacancies in Officers in Units is clearly at variance with these figures.
In this context, personnel deployed from Units or engaged in development training should not be confused with vacancies. Units are maintained in order that personnel can deploy, not for Units to remain fully manned in barracks. The Defence Forces have always drawn personnel from Units for overseas service and other deployments, and personnel also engage in training on an ongoing basis. Such commitments can result in Permanent Defence Force personnel normally garrisoned in a Barracks not being present at a particular moment in time, but present on other occasions.
The Permanent Defence Force has a higher level of turnover than other areas of the Public Service and this is a feature of military organisations. This is not a new development, although there are recruitment and retention challenges, particularly with regard to certain specialists. Under my direction, these issues have been raised with the Public Service Pay Commission, which is currently further examining these matters. Additionally there is ongoing recruitment and a range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed.
I have brought forward a White Paper project to examine skills gaps across the Defence Forces. This will provide an opportunity to examine any gaps arising across the Defence Forces and to bring forward recommendations having regard to work practices, training practices and other issues arising.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake both the home and overseas tasks laid down by Government.
Questions Nos. 64 and 65 answered with Question No. 51.
Defence Forces Representative Organisations
Ceisteanna (66)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:66. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the engagements he has had with an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.
I have met with representatives from PDFORRA on a number of occasions. My most recent meeting with members of the National Executive took place on 12 September 2018, where we discussed a number of matters which PDFORRA have in the Conciliation and Arbitration process. As matters dealt with under the C&A Scheme are confidential in nature it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
I will be attending the PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference in Breaffy House, Castlebar, Co. Mayo later today, where I look forward to meeting the delegates.
Defence Forces Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (67)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:67. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of planned overseas deployment of Defence Forces in the coming 12 months; if the service-level agreement for the provision of Lariam has been extended with the HSE; his plans to prescribe mefloquine, known as Lariam, to those who will be deployed in deployment zones in which there is a risk of malaria; and the sources from which the Defence Forces will acquire this drug, which is now unavailable here. [39964/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 1 October 2018, Ireland is contributing 616 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), the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria and EU Naval Mission EUNAVFORMED (Operation Sophia). An additional deployment of approximately 106 Defence Forces personnel to the UNIFIL mission for the 12 month period November 2018 to November 2019 has recently been approved. Other missions in which the Defence Forces are deployed are Mali (EUTM Mali), Bosnia and Herzegovina(EUFOR), Kosovo (KFOR), Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and Western Sahara (MINURSO). Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various UN and OSCE posts. With regard to any future deployments overseas, Ireland receives requests from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
I had previously indicated to the Deputy that drugs, including Lariam (mefloquine) are purchased by the Defence Forces under the four year framework agreement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the HSE. For completeness, this is the framework agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines (2016-2020) negotiated between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE.
The military authorities have now clarified that, as Lariam was withdrawn from the Irish Market by the manufacturers, it falls outside the Framework Agreement. The Defence Forces have advised that they currently source Lariam through wholesalers that are authorised to supply exempt products.
The Deputy is aware that there are three anti-malarial drugs, namely Lariam (Mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline which continue to be used by the Defence Forces. All of these anti-malaria drugs have contraindications and side effects. I have indicated on many occasions that the use of anti-malaria drugs is a medical matter that should be decided by qualified medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are decisions for highly qualified Medical Officers, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications.
I had previously indicated that a Working Group was re-convened to review developments arising in relation to malaria chemoprophylaxis and the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current potential litigation. The Working Group has produced its Second Report which has been provided to me. It has made a total of twelve recommendations many of which focus on areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a New Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of ongoing expert medical advice, including external medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters.
Given that there is litigation pending it would be inappropriate for me to comment further. 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 the Defence Forces.