Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:86. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the events he has attended with the Minister of State with special responsibility for Defence in the past two years. [29288/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinisterial Meetings
Ceisteanna (86)
Freagraí scríofa
A range of powers and responsibilities were delegated to me as Minister with Responsibility for Defence by the Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2017, made on 5 July 2017 under s. 2(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977.
In that role, I have attended numerous events since my appointment. The Taoiseach has been in attendance at a number of these events, including the recent launch of Ireland's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Ministerial Briefing
Ceisteanna (87)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:87. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of departmental briefings he has received since becoming Minister of Defence in 2016. [29289/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A range of powers and responsibilities were delegated to me as Minister with Responsibility for Defence by the Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2017, made on 5 July 2017 under s. 2(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977. In that role, I am in daily contact with my officials as part of the on-going business of the Department including defence policy matters. The Taoiseach is briefed as required on defence issues.
Ministerial Briefing
Ceisteanna (88)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:88. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has met and received a briefing from the Defence Forces Chief of Staff since 1 January 2017. [29290/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A range of powers and responsibilities were delegated to me as Minister with Responsibility for Defence by the Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2017, made on 5 July 2017 under s. 2(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977. In that role, I frequently meet with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and receive regular briefings in relation to a wide range of defence matters.
The Taoiseach is briefed as required on defence issues.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (89)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if houses, apartments or family accommodation in the ownership of his Department will be provided to a trust that would refurbish the properties and provide homes for military personnel (details supplied). [40170/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of housing accommodation is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and the local authorities falling under the remit of that Department. My Department is committed to providing whatever assistance possible to support the implementation of the Government strategy on housing and homelessness.
In this regard, my Department engages with local authorities in relation to the transfer of appropriate property holdings outside of barracks that are no longer required for military purposes and that could form part of the general housing stock available to local authorities. It should be noted that particular issues arise in relation to providing accommodation to civilians within an operational military barracks, foremost amongst them being security.
Given that my Department is not the policy holder in this area and is already engaged as a matter of course with the relevant authorities in relation to the transfer of appropriate property as outlined above, it is not envisaged that it would in effect develop an additional administrative mechanism to replicate the function of local authorities.
In relation to specific cases of difficulty, when requested to do so, my Department and the Defence Forces provide whatever support possible to assist personnel in accessing available housing supports. In addition, the services of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service are also available if required.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (90)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:90. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the issues of pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. [40186/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Similar to other areas of the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced during the financial crisis.
The recovery in the economy has afforded the opportunity for the Government to begin the restoration of pay to all public servants. Defence Forces pay is continuing to increase 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. 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.
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. The Department of Defence has provided data as requested by the Commission, for consideration. The Commission's work is ongoing. My Department will continue to engage with the Commission throughout the process and will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations that arise from the work of the Commission.
Defence Forces Retirements
Ceisteanna (91)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:91. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the issues of staff retention in the regular Defence Forces. [40187/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The nature of military service requires that the age and health profile of personnel in the Defence Forces must be appropriately managed to ensure that capability requirements are met. In this context, the Defence Forces have a higher level of turnover than other areas of the public service and this is a feature of military organisations internationally. The overall numbers departing the Permanent Defence Force in recent years are broadly consistent with the long term trend, with some exceptions.
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 focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. Following on from previous pay increases, the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid. A 1% increase in annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 has been paid and a further 1% was due on 1st October 2018. 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
In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence raised certain recruitment and retention issues as part of the submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. In a further acknowledgement of these issues the Government tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining these challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail. The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work.
The Permanent Defence Force continues to offer excellent career opportunities for serving personnel and for new entrants. Ensuring that the terms and conditions of serving members of the Permanent Defence Force are fair and balanced, is also a key consideration. There are a range of actions outlined in the White Paper on Defence (2015) which are aimed at advancing this goal and, in this context, there is an ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation.
The measures I have set out address a range of factors and are aimed at ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capabilities to undertake the roles assigned by Government and remains a valued career choice.
Army Barracks Closures
Ceisteanna (92)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:92. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to close Cathal Brugha Barracks or St. Bricin's Military Hospital and for these sites to be used to develop housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40227/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to close Cathal Brugha Barracks. The Land Development Agency have recently identified the St. Bricin's Hospital site as possibly suitable for development. In this context, I have requested my officials, with the co-operation of the Defence Forces, to explore the viability and implications of the relocation of the medical facility to an alternative location should the LDA confirm that it wishes to acquire those premises.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (93)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current level of deployment and location of Irish troops overseas on UN or EU-related missions; the extent to which further missions are planned or required; the extent to which the need for upgrading of equipment has been noted arising from such deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 01 October 2018, Ireland is contributing 616 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is 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.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the tabular statement beneath.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment with 353 personnel 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. Due to other National commitments both Finland and Estonia intend to withdraw from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL by 31 December 2018.
Efforts are on-going to source a partner country to replace the Finnish contingent but, in the interim, 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 a 12 month period from November 2018 to 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.
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission. The Defence Forces equipment is upgraded on a continual basis. This equipment enables troops to fulfil the roles assigned to them, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2018
|
UN MISSIONS |
- |
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 112th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
10 353 8 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
13 |
|
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
4 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 57th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8 120 |
|
TOTAL |
501 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Sophia) L.É. James Joyce Operational HQ/Floating HQ (Operation Sophia HQ - 2 in OHQ & 2 in FHQ) |
57 4 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
599 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
5 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
2 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
616 |
Defence Forces Training
Ceisteanna (94, 97)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Service and Air Corps training continues to be in line with modern and international best practice; if particular procedures are shown to be in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40313/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing training of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, including reserves, is scheduled in the course of the next three years; the extent to which such ongoing training meets international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40316/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 97 together.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons set out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
Defence Forces Equipment
Ceisteanna (95, 104)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment, including transport, communications and procedures, in the Army continues to be upgraded and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40314/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that facilities such as advanced training, state-of-the-art technology and specific military equipment is available throughout the Defence Forces with a view to ensuring a competence to deal with national or international security incidents; if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces have adequate liaison with other defence forces throughout Europe in the context of a potential threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 104 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 as set out on the White Paper on Defence.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
Defence Forces military equipment including transport vehicles, aircraft and vessels are kept under ongoing review and where necessary are upgraded to ensure the highest level of force protection and capabilities are available to personnel. Modern secure communications are essential for operations at home and on overseas missions and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped with required communications and global positioning systems equipment.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and a wide range of military equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. In addition, the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review.
With regard to training, the primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national, EU and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, civil and military, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
Furthermore, Ireland’s engagement with Partnership for Peace has provided the Defence Forces access to NATO standards, which are internationally-recognised as representing best practice for the development of military capabilities. Participation in Partnership for Peace is fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN. Ireland’s involvement in Partnership for Peace is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multi-national environment and is but one means by which the Defence Forces liaise with other European Defence Forces on matters of mutual interest.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped and trained, in line with EU and international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
Defence Forces Strength
Ceisteanna (96)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces, including reserves, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the number of women in each branch of the services; the likelihood of recruitment and replacements following retirements now and over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40315/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total strength of the Defence Forces including reserves is approximately 10,900 of which it is estimated that as of the end of September 9,000 are members of the Permanent Defence Force. The table below sets out the number of women within the Defence Forces:
|
- |
Females (WTE) |
|
Army |
483 |
|
Air Corps |
32 |
|
Naval Service |
67 |
|
First Line Reserve |
26 |
|
Army Reserve |
234* |
|
Naval Service Reserve |
19* |
WTE - Whole Time Equivalent
* - Effective Personnel
There have been further inductions in September 2018 with 215 personnel joining the PDF that month.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the PDF at 9,500 personnel. In order to achieve this target, there are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State.
A general service recruitment campaign, the 2018 officer cadetships competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices, a competition for DF School of Music instrumentalists and the 2018 RDF recruitment campaigns all took place in the first half of this year and the applications from these various competitions are currently being progressed.
In addition, the Defence Forces Medical Corps are currently accepting applications from suitably qualified medical doctors and psychiatrists and the Naval Service has a number of opportunities for Bridge Watch-keeping Officers (Operations Branch), Marine Engineering Officers and Electrical Engineer Officers.
Arising from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year, new recruits will be inducted between September and December. The 95th Cadet Class of 85 recruits was inducted on the 24th September.
A second general service recruitment campaign was launched on 10 September 2018 and will close on 7 October 2018. This will provide recruits for Q1/Q2 of 2019.
As of 25 September 2018, 414 personnel have been inducted and inductions will continue for the rest of the year. Final figures for numbers enlisted in 2018 will not be available until after year's end, although it is expected that similar figures to 2017 enlistments will be achieved.
With the support of the Chief of Staff I am committed to ensuring that there is on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces and that the Permanent Defence Force can continue to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 94.
Defence Forces Reserve Strength
Ceisteanna (98)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which membership of the local Defence Forces continues to be maintained at a required level; the extent to which ongoing training standards and requirements are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40317/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence provides for a combined establishment of 4,169 personnel for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve (inclusive of the proposal to increase the Naval Service Reserve establishment from 200 to 300 personnel). I am aware of the shortfall between this figure and the current combined strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve which, as of 31st August 2018, is 1,745 effective personnel.
To address this difference, I directed the military authorities to maximise recruitment to the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve, having regard to training demands arising from significant ongoing recruitment to the PDF. To date, in 2018, 124 personnel were inducted to the RDF.
A total of 1,364 applications, were received for the 2018 RDF General Service Recruitment campaign. Applications for this recruitment campaign, which ran between 23 April and 4 June 2018, are currently being processed.
In terms of ongoing training standards for the Reserve, the White Paper sets out a developmental path for the organisation. On a day to day basis, the Reserve undertakes training in preparation to assist the PDF, when required. Training across all three arms of the Defence Forces is constantly benchmarked against best military and academic practice. Training procedures are constantly reviewed in order to ensure that the men and women of Oglaigh na hÉireann are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the ever changing security environment.
With regard to RDF training, for the current year, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.15 million of which €2.068 million is allocated for Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. This allocation provides seven days annual paid training for all effective members of the Reserve, fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2018 and provides for career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Emergency Planning
Ceisteanna (99, 100, 106)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to deal with emergencies in respect of which they may be called upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40318/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces can be mobilised in the event of natural disasters, including flooding, in view of the preferability of early deployment and the need for the use of specified equipment in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40319/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which specialist skills in dealing with security threats remain available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40325/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100 and 106 together.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for a natural disaster or terrorist incidents. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to both emergency and security issues. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.
With regard to security threats, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.
The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. The Air Corps also has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the type of assistance requested.
I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
Defence Forces Operations
Ceisteanna (101)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to co-operate in air and sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40320/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks.
With reference to Search and Rescue, since 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
The Defence Organisation will continue to provide support, as available, to the Irish Coast Guard in respect of Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Ceisteanna (102)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which young unemployed persons have been able to join the Defence Forces; if a specific programme exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40321/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces accept applications from all individuals who meet the requisite criteria for the various competitions that are advertised. There is no specific advertising or recruitment aimed at those who are unemployed. The Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.
The White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. This was not intended to induct young unemployed personnel into the Defence Forces.
The objective of the employment support scheme, which involves a 10 week training programme, is to help to develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. It is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (103)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he expects to be in a position to augment deficiencies in the Defence Forces in the context of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for terrorist incidents.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities.
The Ordnance Corps consists of a number of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams which are on standby 24/7 to respond when a request for assistance is received from An Garda Síochána to deal with suspect devices.
The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces whose roles include provision of specialist ATCP support to An Garda Síochána. The need for a high level of preparedness to deal with any requests for Special Forces operations is inherent in the unit’s mission. Members are trained to the highest levels of motivation, physical fitness and skill at arms for their specialist role. The ARW is on standby 24/7 to be called upon to undertake duties in any part of the country. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible, and I work closely with the Chief of Staff to this end.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 95.
Air Corps Equipment
Ceisteanna (105)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps is adequately equipped to detect and-or intercept activity posing a threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor aircraft overflying the entirety of Irish airspace. However, on a routine basis, the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
The Government’s White Paper on Defence (2015) provides the defence policy framework over a ten year planning horizon. This includes provision for periodic updates to consider progress with implementation and any revisions required. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps’ capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps is a priority. Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments.
The Air Corps’ existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground intercept capacity. Whilst the development of a more capable air combat intercept capability will be considered as part of the White Paper update, at this stage there are no plans in this regard. However, these matters are kept under constant review.