Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions taken on foot of the two reports of the working group on Lariam. [1800/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (24)
Freagraí scríofa
A Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group was established in January 2011 and reported in April 2013. The Group was re-convened in August 2015 and reported in October 2017. The purpose of the Group was to review, inter alia, issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation.
The re-convened Working Group's recommendations focus on a number of different areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of on-going expert medical advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including chemoprophylaxis.
I have accepted these recommendations and have established an Implementation Group. This Implementation Group has recently met and is progressing its work.
Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 20.
Defence Forces Operations
Ceisteanna (26)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:26. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of PESCO projects to which Ireland has committed as participant or observer; the budgets for each project; the personnel involved; the commitments given; the timeline for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The establishment of Permanent Structure Cooperation (PESCO) represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. 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.
Ireland is currently participating in the following two projects:
The European Union Training Mission Competence Centre – The project will improve the availability, interoperability, specific skills and professionalism of personnel (trainers) for EU training missions across participating Member States. Moreover, it will accelerate the provision for EU training missions due to a higher situational awareness regarding trained, educated and available personnel for current and future EU training missions.
Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance Systems – This project will integrate land-based surveillance systems, maritime and air platforms in order to distribute real time information to Member States, so as to provide timely and effective response in the international waters. The main objective of the program is to enhance the Maritime Surveillance, Situational Awareness and potential Response Effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure, deploying assets and developing related capabilities in the future. It aims to address timely and effectively new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and defence aspects); thus ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response, so as to contribute to the protection of the EU and its citizens.
Ireland is an observer on the following projects:
Maritime (Semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures will deliver a world-class mix of (semi-) autonomous underwater, surface and aerial technologies for maritime mine countermeasures. This project will enable Member States to protect maritime vessels, harbours and off shore installations, and to safeguard freedom of navigation on maritime trading routes.
Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform will develop more active responses and defences to cyber threats. This project also aims to help mitigate these risks by focusing on the sharing of cyber threat intelligence through a networked Member State platform, with the aim of strengthening nations' cyber defence capabilities.
Energy Operational Function based on lessons learnt from recent operations, this project has two objectives. It aims at developing new systems of energy supply for camps deployed in the framework of joint operations and for soldier connected devices and equipment. It also aims at ensuring that the implications for energy are taken into account in capability development planning and implementation as well as operational planning.
European Software Defined Radio aims to develop common technologies for European military radios. The adoption of these technologies as a standard will guarantee the interoperability of EU forces in the framework of joint operations, regardless which radio platforms are used, thereby reinforcing the European strategic autonomy.
Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability will deliver a multi-national specialist military package for the assistance to EU and other States, which can be deployed within both EU-led and non EU-led operations. The new EU capability will manage a range of emergencies including natural disasters, civil emergencies, and pandemics. This project aims to include the establishment of a new EU Disaster Relief Training Centre of Excellence, and ultimately a Disaster Relief Deployable Headquarters.
Military Mobility will support Member States' commitment to simplify and standardise cross-border military transport procedures. It aims to enhance the speed of movement military forces across Europe. It also aims to guarantee the unhindered movement of military personnel and assets within the borders of the EU. This entails avoiding long bureaucratic procedures to move through or over EU Member States, be it via rail, road air or sea.
EU Radionavigation Solution (EURAS) is to promote development of EU military PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) capabilities and future cooperation taking advantage of Galileo and the public regulated service.
Counter Unmanned Aerial System aim is to develop an advanced and efficient system to counter the threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems. It aims to deliver protection for personnel.
The above projects are still in the early stages of development and accordingly the budgets and timeline for participant's involvement has not yet been fully determined. In any event, there would be no financial impact for Ireland in relation to the eight projects where we are observers. A representative from the relevant Directorate or Service within the Defence Forces attend each of the project meetings. Ireland's commitment at this time is through our attendance at meetings as the projects progress.
Gender Equality
Ceisteanna (27)
Clare Daly
Ceist:27. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a comprehensive audit or survey of women’s experience of bullying, harassment and inequality in the Defence Forces is planned with a view to exploring women’s experience of same and making relevant recommendations for change. [1959/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. This is underlined by a commitment in the Programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces Dignity Charter states that the Defence Forces are committed to maintaining a work environment, whether within the Sate or when deployed overseas, that encourages the right of each individual to dignity in their work environment and in all activities of their service.
The Dignity Charter also states that bullying, sexual harassment and harassment in any form is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. I am fully committed to this and have outlined on many occasions that such behaviour is completely unacceptable. Complaints relating to incidents of inappropriate behaviour may be lodged under the provisions of Administrative Instruction A.7. Reports relating to incidents of this nature are provided to me by the Chief of Staff on a regular basis.
The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in all policies and regulations. Military Gender Advisors are employed by the Defence Forces to provide education on gender perspective and in the context of overseas service, awareness of gender based violence in conflict and other settings. A Gender Advisor has also been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
Unlike some other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to increase the level of female participation, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment and within the general recruitment framework, there are specific initiatives which focus on potential female recruits such as female-focused advertising, creation of female specific recruitment videos and targeted social media advertising. Between 2016 and 2017 some €180,000 was spent on such female-focused recruitment.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper further projects will be progressed to ensure that the development and promotion of strategies that support female participation in the Defence Forces is continued. Such projects include:-
- Development of further initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks.
- Conduct of a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the PDF.
Defence Forces Operations
Ceisteanna (28)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:28. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to claims that shortages of officers in the Defence Forces have resulted in bomb disposal experts and marine engineers having to work 65 and 70 hours a week, respectively, without overtime; the measures being taken to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
In this context, recruitment efforts for the Permanent Defence Force are ongoing and continue to be a priority. There were several significant recruitment initiatives throughout 2018 in the Permanent Defence Force, at both enlisted and officer level. similar recruitment is planned for 2019.
Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowances are not available to members of the Defence Forces. In its place a Military Service Allowance is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life. Certain duties performed by Defence Forces personnel attract other additional allowances e.g. Security Duty Allowance and EOD Duty Allowance.
For reasons of operational security, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the disposition and specifics relating to hours worked on Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties. Furthermore, as these matters are currently the subject of litigation I am similarly not in a position to comment on same.
The Government has committed to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The Department of Defence and Military management have been working closely to progress its implementation.
Defence Forces Strength
Ceisteanna (29)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:29. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces remains in keeping with targets and projections; if corrective measures are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1968/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The whole time equivalent (WTE) strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), as of as of 31 December 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available), is 8,957.
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015).
In order to achieve this target, significant recruitment continued in 2018 consisting of two general service recruitment campaigns and competitions for Cadets, Apprentices and Instrumentalists, with other intake from direct entry streams. This has resulted in over 611 personnel being inducted into the PDF in 2018. This figure does not include 15 members of the PDF who were awarded a cadetship last year.
Recently, I met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019 and I can confirm that, subject to further consideration, similar recruitment competitions to those held in 2018 will take place in 2019. At this point it is not possible to predict precise numbers that will be recruited but it is anticipated that this will be in the region of some 800 personnel.
A range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing certain specialist vacancies. These would include a scheme which now 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. In addition a working group is currently examining the scope for greater use of direct entry recruitment for certain specialist positions.
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 abroad.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (30, 34)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which participation by the Defence Forces in international missions is envisaged in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1967/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mick Wallace
Ceist:34. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there have been proposed new military operations or peacekeeping operations in the near future that will see the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas in view of his comments that it is a stated ambition to double Ireland’s global impact and footprint by 2025 and that military and peacekeeping operations play a role in this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 34 together.
As 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 main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 460 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 138 personnel. The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment.
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. This additional commitment will continue throughout 2019 as Ireland has assumed full duties and responsibilities of IRISHBATT up to November 2019. Discussions are advancing with an alternative partner for this mission.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the following tabular statement.
With regard to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to new military operations overseas, the deployment of a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel to the MINUSMA mission in Mali is under active consideration for 2019. MINUSMA is the UN mission providing support to the Malian Government in reasserting its authority over northern Mali. I must stress, however, that these considerations are at a very early stage and further detailed analysis and planning will be required in advance of seeking Government approval for a deployment.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment 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.
"Global Footprint to 2025", is the Government's initiative to double the scope and impact of Ireland's global footprint in the period to 2025. It represents an ambitious renewal and expansion of Ireland's international presence in terms of diplomacy, culture, business, overseas aid, tourism and trade. The initiative acknowledges the important role of the Defence Forces and security personnel serving on international assignments, in advancing these priorities for Ireland. It also acknowledges Ireland's longstanding tradition of international engagement in support of peace, security, justice and equality and reaffirms our commitment to maintaining and developing support for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN and the EU.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
AS OF 10 JANUARY 2019
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 112th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 443 8 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
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 58th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8 130 |
|
TOTAL |
617 |
|
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) Operational HQ/Floating HQ (Operation Sophia HQ - 3 in OHQ & 2 in FHQ) |
5 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
659 |
|
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 |
3 |
|
Joint Technical Group for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (JTGDDR) in Mozambique (part time basis) |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
678 |
Army Barracks
Ceisteanna (31)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:31. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to introduce a new Army barracks in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region in view of Brexit and in further view of recent developments and the possible reintroduction of a hard border; if such a move is included in contingency plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1814/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department continues to engage in forward planning with the other Departments involved in addressing all issues relevant to the UK's decision to leave the European Union. This engagement involves the identification of key strategic, operational and policy issues arising from Brexit.
As I have outlined previously, the UK's decision to leave the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements. Furthermore, the avoidance of a hard border on the island is fundamental to the Brexit agreement reached in November last between the EU and the UK Government, and there can be no change to the commitments made in that agreement. As such, there are no plans for a new Army barracks in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region.
Furthermore, it is important to note that primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.
There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. My Department continues to monitor the ongoing situation to ensure that both it and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues that might arise in the defence area as a consequence of Brexit.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 20.
Defence Forces Deployment
Ceisteanna (33)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:33. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces expect a greater deployment of their fleet in the provision of fisheries protection missions in 2019 following Brexit; the planning his Department and the Defence Forces have undertaken in this regard; his views on whether two CN 235 Casa aircraft operated by the Air Corps will be sufficient to complete the tasks required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1810/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
While the primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service in Ireland is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s fishery protection legislation and our obligations as a member of the European Union, when on patrol Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties.
In relation to this 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.
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. My officials also meet regularly with officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, which is the parent Department of the SFPA. These close working relationships will continue in 2019.
With regard to the fleet, the White Paper on Defence 2015 underpins the on-going replacement of the Naval Service fleet which has enjoyed a significant investment in the new ships programme of over €250 million since 2010. The Naval Service accepted delivery of the newest ship, to be named LÉ George Bernard Shaw, in late 2018.
The Government is also investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing 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). Delivery of these aircraft will start later this year and conclude in 2020.
The White Paper on Defence 2015 also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with consideration of their replacement with larger more suitable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A public tender competition for the replacement of the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft is underway in my Department at present, following the publication of a Request for Proposals on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in May, 2018.
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 situations that may require a Defence Forces response, including fishery protection, is undertaken by the Defence Forces in the normal course.
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.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 30.