Written Answers Nos. 1-23
12. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure better pay and working conditions for members of the Defence Forces; the steps being taken to ensure appropriate supports are available to current and former members who may be experiencing financial difficulties; if he has satisfied himself that current recruitment methods are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1806/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra23. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the stages for the restoration of allowances, pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces; and the timeframe for restoration. [1855/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 23 together.
Similar to other sectors in the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures to assist in stabilising national finances during the financial crisis.
Pay is being restored to members of the Defence Forces and other public servants 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, which has been accepted by the Permanent Defence Force representative associations, provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. The increases due from 1 January 2018, 1 October 2018 and 1 January 2019 have been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel. Further increases in pay are scheduled in 2019 and 2020.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the payscales 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 as part of that agreement.
New entrants who joined the Defence Forces since 2011, can also benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to interventions at points 4 and 8 of the relevant pay scales for all such new entrants to the public service. This measure, should it be accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, will be effective from 1 March 2019.
There are many factors and personal circumstances which can give rise to an individual needing support and advice in respect of particular financial difficulties. The Personnel Support Service provides a confidential information, education, support and referral service to Defence Forces personnel and their families, giving access to information and services within and outside the military community.
Like other military organisations, turnover of personnel is higher than that which normally prevails in other sectors. In this context, there is ongoing recruitment and promotion to replace personnel who depart.
The Public Service Pay Commission is currently examining recruitment and retention issues in the Defence sector. This is on foot of an initial submission from the Department which highlighted certain recruitment and retention issues. The Commission's work is on-going. The Government will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations that arise from the work of the Commission.
13. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of 2019, 2020 and 2021 financial commitments pursuant to Ireland’s participation in PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1965/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to defence spending, Government policy is defined within the parameters of our national budgetary process and role of Dáil Éireann. Within the EU, it is accepted that defence and security is a national competence, including national spending on defence and security.
As part of our participation in PESCO, Ireland has committed to regularly increase our defence budgets in real terms. It should be noted that regularly does not mean annually but rather over the medium term. The allocations for defence announced in the budget for 2019 mean that Ireland’s defence expenditure will increase in real terms over the coming three years.
Joining PESCO does not involve an additional cost to the Exchequer. Additional costs may arise in respect of participation in specific PESCO projects similar to the case where the Defence Forces participate in European Defence Agency Projects. The projects where Ireland has confirmed our participation relate to the ongoing development of Defence Forces capabilities for peace support and crisis management operations. Costs associated with participation on these projects would be incurred in the normal course and will therefore be met from within the Defence Vote.
In 2018 no additional costs were incurred through PESCO related activities other than costs associated with attendance by Defence Forces Subject Matter Experts at PESCO project planning meetings. This may change across 2019 as capabilities are developed and acquired through the PESCO projects. However, it is expected that sharing the costs of capability development across a number of member States should prove cost neutral in terms of overall projected defence expenditure.
16. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown of Defence Forces personnel on deployment abroad or on secondment; the details of each mission in 2018; the projected mission of each for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1809/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 10 January 2019, Ireland is contributing 678 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest and most well known overseas deployment with 460 personnel. Until recently, Irish troops served as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL. The Finnish contingent also included an Estonian Platoon comprising some 36 personnel. Due to other National commitments both Finland and Estonia withdrew from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL in November 2018. As an interim measure, an additional contingent of approximately 106 Defence Forces Personnel have been deployed to the UNIFIL mission to cover the backfilling of the Finnish contingent for a 12 month period. Ireland assumed full duties and responsibilities of IRISHBATT up to November 2019 to allow time for an alternative partner to be sourced.
Efforts to source a partner country to replace the Finnish contingent are progressing well. Poland has expressed an interest in providing a contingent of troops, comprising both Polish and Hungarian personnel, to serve as part of the Irish Battalion in UNIFIL. Consultations will now take place on the specifics of this proposed new arrangement.
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria is the second largest mission with 138 personnel. 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.
In March 2018, the UNDOF Headquarters returned to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation 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 in 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 Naval Service deployed 2 naval vessels to Operation Sophia, the EU Common Security and Defence Policy operation in the Mediterranean, during 2018. While there is currently no Irish ship deployed to the Operation, Defence Forces personnel continue to occupy three posts in the Operational Headquarters in Rome and two in the Force Headquarters at sea. Ireland's participation in Operation Sophia in 2019 is currently being considered and a decision will be taken on the matter following a full review of 2018 deployments.
Ireland has participated in the EU Training Mission in Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Ireland contributed 20 Defence Forces personnel to this mission in 2018 and the intention is that our contribution will remain at this level in 2019. In addition, consideration is being given to the deployment of a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel to the MINUSMA mission in Mali during 2019. These considerations are at a very early stage and will require further detailed analysis and planning in addition to Government approval, in advance of any proposed deployment.
Defence Forces personnel were also deployed during 2018 to the following missions:
UNTSO, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation mission in Israel and Syria - 12 personnel;
MINURSO, the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara - 3 personnel;
MONUSCO, the United Nations Stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 4 personnel;
EUFOR, the EU led operation in Bosnia and Herzgovina - 5 personnel; and
KFOR, the International Security Presence in Kosovo - 12 personnel.
The Defence Forces will continue to participate in these missions in 2019.
One member of the Defence Forces is currently on secondment with the UN Office of Military Affairs in New York and, as part of Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace, a member of the Defence Forces is serving in the role of Gender Adviser to the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative on Women, Peace and Security. Defence Forces Personnel also serve as military advisors, representatives and staff officers with the OSCE, the EU, UN and NATO/Partnership for Peace.
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.
17. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the target date to reach the allowed establishment figure of 9,500 Defence Forces personnel as outlined in A Programme for a Partnership Government. [1804/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra19. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces will achieve their establishment strength of 9,500 during 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 19 together.
The Government remains committed to achieving the strength target of at least 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). There are a number of factors, some of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved. As at 31 December 2018, the most current figures provided by the military authorities, the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force was just below 9,000 personnel, 8,957 to be exact.
Recently, I met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019. A range of options to enhance recruitment were considered. The target for inductions in 2019 is approximately 800 personnel. As outlined, the precise net gain in strength will be dependent on a variety of factors. This includes the number of trained personnel that depart, the achievement of recruitment targets and the number of trainees that successfully complete training. This can vary year on year.
I have acknowledged that challenges do exist in recruiting and retaining some specialists such as Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and certain Technicians. These specialist can prove difficult to retain where, as in the current economic environment and jobs market, there are demands for such specialists in other sectors. I understand that this is a challenge being faced by military forces elsewhere and is not confined to Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Service Pay Commission has been tasked with examining recruitment and retention issues in the Defence Sector. This work is underway and when the Public Commissions reports, its findings will be considered at that point.
In addition to traditional recruitment methods, a range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing such vacancies in specialist areas. A scheme has been introduced which permits former Officers with specialist skills to re-enter the Permanent Defence Force and arrangements are in train to provide a similar scheme for former enlisted personnel.
Currently there is direct entry provision for those with professional qualifications which is utilised for the recruitment of Medical Officers and Engineers. A working group is examining the scope for greater use of such direct entry recruitment for certain specialist positions.
With regard to other retention measures, there are a range of actions outlined in the White Paper on Defence (2015) which are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Defence Forces. These include HR initiatives which impact on retention such as providing career development opportunities and accreditation. The criteria for extending service beyond twelve years have been revised and this has ensured that personnel who would have had to depart could remain. An examination of age profiles for enlisted personnel has been prioritised and this is being progressed. In addition, the military authorities have introduced further initiatives to enhance work-life balance and this is also to be welcomed.
The Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
18. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with senior officers in the Naval Service in regard to the fact that the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has significant concerns in regard to the potential negative impact on Ireland's fishery protection through a decrease in the seagoing effort of the Naval Service; if so, the outcome of those discussions; and the next steps decided on to address those concerns. [1958/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including a significant security role. By its nature, often that security role goes unrecognised or unacknowledged, but it is vital to Ireland's national priorities and interests.
In relation to its sea-fishery protection role, the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 established the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) as the competent Authority for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries protection legislation and the sustainable exploitation of marine fish resources from the waters around Ireland. A Service Level Agreement is in place which underpins the relationship between the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Defence Organisation. This Agreement provides for the development of an Annual Control Plan and for agreed reporting and training arrangements. The agreement also provides a forum for sharing information between parties and for dealing with fishery control and enforcement issues.
As Minister with responsibility for Defence, I regularly speak with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. I have spoken with him about the staffing challenges faced by the Naval Service at present. While my Department's Annual Report for 2018 is not finalised yet, I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Naval Service conducted 1,076 fishery protection patrol days in 2018 which is 99% of the target agreed with the SFPA.
My officials, members of the Naval Service and the Air Corps, continue to meet with officials of the SFPA at formal and informal meetings and enjoy a good collaborative working relationship in relation to sea-fishery protection matters. This close working relationship will continue in 2019.
20. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the proposed plans to send the Army Ranger Wing to Mali on peacekeeping duties; the reason for this possible deployment; if their deployment has come at the request of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role envisaged for the Army Ranger Wing in Mali; and the person or body that suggested that the Rangers should be deployed in Mali. [1961/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra32. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it is planned that the Army Ranger Wing will be empowered to use force if deployed to Mali. [1962/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 25 and 32 together.
Ireland has participated in the EU Training Mission in Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Currently, Ireland is contributing twenty (20) Defence Force personnel to this mission. EUTM Mali is part of a wider EU effort in support of international peace and security in the wider Sahel region. The mission is being undertaken at the request of the Malian Government and has the support of a UN Security Council Resolution.
I was delighted to have an opportunity to visit the region recently with the Taoiseach and to meet with Irish troops deployed on the EUTM mission.
As Deputies will appreciate, potential overseas missions are considered on an ongoing basis. Ireland currently has no Defence Forces personnel deployed to the UN mandated MINUSMA mission. However, the option to deploy a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel within a larger German contingent, currently serving with the MINUSMA mission, will open up later this year. A potential deployment in this regard is currently being considered.
I should point out that we are currently in the very early information gathering stage in considering this mission. This involves getting detailed information on the mission and its operations, consideration of the possible role which the Defence Forces may be able to undertake in the mission, how such a deployment fits with Defence Forces capabilities having regard to existing and potential commitments at home and overseas and a detailed threat analysis and assessment. This process has only just commenced and will take a period of time to reach a conclusion. On foot of the respective military and policy advice arising from this process, I will then consider the matter. I should emphasise that no decision has been taken yet and there is some way to go in the process before we reach that point.
The MINUSMA mission is authorised under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. In that regard, the use of lethal force is authorised in accordance with the terms of the missions Rules of Engagement. The Rules of Engagement for MINUSMA is one of the issues which will also be examined as part of the analysis and consideration of deployment to the mission. I should point out the Defence Forces deployed to a wide range of missions, including UNIFIL and UNDOF, are authorised to use lethal force in accordance with the Rules of Engagement of those missions.
21. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the key decisions made at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 November 2018 in relation to PESCO, Civilian Common Security and Defence and the European Defence Fund; and the impact of each of same on Ireland. [1802/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting of Defence Ministers was held in Brussels on 19th and 20th November last. There was a joint session between Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers on the afternoon of Monday 19th, and two sessions with Defence Ministers the following morning.
Altogether there were three working sessions over the course of the meeting, chaired by the High Representative, Ms Federica Mogherini. The three sessions dealt with a range of ongoing developments in relation to EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); specifically the way forward for the recent defence initiatives at EU-level and consideration of the EU's CSDP missions and operations.
The Council Conclusions agreed on 19th November outline the key outcomes of the meeting. These include; the Civilian CSDP Compact, a review of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability, PESCO, CARD, and the European Defence Fund (EDF).
In relation to PESCO, the Council Conclusions highlighted positive progress to date and the ongoing discussions around Third State participation in PESCO. The adoption of the Council Decision establishing the second tranche of PESCO projects was also included. Ireland participates in 2 projects and is an observer in 6 PESCO projects.
Ireland played a central role in the preparation and agreement of the Civilian CSDP Compact, which is a vital element in the implementation of all strands of the EU’s Global Strategy. The Council Conclusions welcomed the agreement on the establishment of the Civilian CSDP Compact. As part of our own commitment to the process, in 2018 the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade commissioned a mapping exercise to establish best practice across Member States so that we can enhance our own recruitment, training and deployment processes.
In the Conclusions the Council adopted its position on the EDF (partial general approach). The objective is to strengthen the global competitiveness and innovation capacity of the EU's defence technological and industrial base. The Council Conclusions also agreed to support, in particular, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in this space.
I welcome the progress made in relation to EU defence and security, and acknowledge that the security of the EU depends on our joint cooperation with our EU partners. Outcomes of the November FAC will inform the work of the EU in the area of security and defence for the coming year. Ireland will continue to engage in the EU's defence and security initiatives as they progress throughout 2019.
22. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether Irish involvement in PESCO and a change of direction of the Defence Forces will undermine the training work being carried out by Irish troops as highlighted and praised by the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence on his recent visit to Mali. [1856/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to add my praise and thanks to those expressed by an Taoiseach during our recent visit to Mali. Irish Defence Forces personnel participating in the EU training mission there are making an important and valuable contribution to both regional and international peace and security through their efforts on the mission. It is with great pride and respect that I acknowledge the ongoing work of all our Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
Let me be clear, Ireland's participation in PESCO does not represent a change of direction of the Defence Forces. The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), while national decision-making maintains precedence in terms of defence and security matters.
Our Defence Forces and the wider Defence Organisation continue, and will continue, to make an invaluable contribution to international peace and security, and conflict resolution. This is achieved through their ongoing and professional engagement with the EU, the UN, NATO, the OSCE and other international engagements within a bilateral context.
Within the EU, it is accepted that defence and security is a national competence and that any decisions, including any deepening of EU cooperation, require unanimity. Fully participating in developments at EU level ensures that Ireland continues to have a voice and to influence the evolution of EU defence and security policy.
The participation criteria for PESCO expressly stipulate that PESCO will be undertaken in full compliance with the Treaty on European Union and the associated protocols and will respect the Member States constitutional provisions. It is also important to note that participation in each project is on an “opt in” basis and is therefore entirely voluntary.
Ireland strongly supports the role of the European Union in peacekeeping and crisis management operations and initiatives which enhance deployability and deployment on operations are essential to this. Under PESCO, Member States will come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.
PESCO will also enable our Defence Forces to further develop their capabilities in support of peacekeeping through participation in joint projects with like-minded partners. Joint projects should also drive down the costs of developing and procuring capabilities.
Through participation in all aspects of CSDP, including PESCO, Ireland has been able to influence the overall direction of CSDP, in particular ensuring recognition by the EU of the UN as its key strategic partner and ongoing support for the UN and multilateralism. Participation in PESCO will continue to be important in fostering that influence.
