Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 106-127

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (106)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has met church leaders recently. [7055/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 25th August 2018 I met with Pope Francis during his visit to Dublin Castle. The meeting provided an opportunity for us to discuss several issues, though regrettably not in any great depth because of the short duration of the meeting.

On 22nd January 2018 I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in a formal meeting under the structured dialogue process between Church and State. We discussed important social and economic issues facing Irish society as well as international issues. This was the second in a series of meetings that I will be holding with dialogue partners.

On 31 August 2017, I held a formal meeting under the structured dialogue process with representatives of the Catholic Church, led by Archbishop Eamon Martin.

Some of the issues we discussed at these meetings were challenging. They are issues on which people have deeply held views and which are matters of conscience. Our discussions were valuable, not just because they dealt with important issues, but particularly because they were conducted in an atmosphere of respect for the views of others, where everyone sought to be constructive.

Like public representatives generally, I meet church leaders informally from time to time in the course of attending official or public events.

In particular, with the recent Presidential Inauguration and the visit of Pope Francis, I attended several events that were also attended by representatives from various religious groups.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (107, 110)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he met EU leaders when he was in Brussels; and if he held other meetings after or before he met Mr. Donald Tusk. [7057/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

110. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meetings in Brussels with Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker and Mr. Donald Tusk and, in particular, the issues raised in respect of Brexit and state aid rules. [7125/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 110 together.

On 6 February, I travelled to Brussels for a series of meetings with senior representatives of the EU institutions, including European Council President, Donald Tusk, and European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker.

President Tusk and I discussed the latest political developments in London, and noted the approaching deadline for the UK’s departure from the EU. We agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best and only deal possible and that it cannot be reopened.

While we hope that the backstop will never be used, it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland, while protecting the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union.

In my meeting with President Juncker, at which he was accompanied by Union negotiator Michel Barnier and Commissioner Hogan, he also reiterated his firm view that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop, is not for re-negotiation.

We agreed that, while we will continue to seek agreement on the orderly withdrawal of the UK, given the ongoing uncertainty in London, we will also further intensify our preparations for a no-deal scenario.

President Juncker confirmed that the Commission stands ready to assist Ireland in meeting the specific challenges we face as a result of Brexit – particularly in vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness and fisheries. He also confirmed that programmes providing assistance for cross-border peace and reconciliation in the border region will be strengthened.

We agreed that Ireland and the Commission will continue to work closely together over the period ahead.

I thanked my interlocutors for their unwavering commitment and noted that, as a small country, this strong solidarity resonates deeply in Ireland.

Ministerial Advisers Data

Ceisteanna (108)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

108. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; and the annual salaries associated with same. [6578/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details of the Advisers and Special Advisers employed by my Department since I took up office on 14 June 2017 are as follows:

Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Salary Scale

Brian Murphy

Chief of Staff

14 June 2017

n/a

Deputy Secretary

John Carroll

Head of Policy and Programme Implementation

05 July 2017

n/a

Assistant Secretary

Patrick Geoghegan

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach

14 June 2017

n/a

Assistant Secretary (equivalent)

Angela Flanagan

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach

14 June 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

Philip O'Callaghan

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach

14 June 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

Clare Mungovan

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach

08 Jan 2018

n/a

Principal Officer

Jim D'Arcy

Special Adviser to the Taoiseach

04 Sept 2017

n/a

Assistant Principal (Higher)

Nick Miller

Spokesman and Communications Adviser to the Taoiseach

14 June 2017

31 Oct 2017

Assistant Secretary

Feargal Purcell

Goverment Press Secretary

14 June 2017

31 Oct 2017

Assistant Secretary

Nick Miller

Goverment Press Secretary

01 Nov 2017

n/a

Assistant Secretary

Sarah Meade

Assistant Goverment Press Secretary

31 July 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

Catherine Halloran

Deputy Goverment Press Secretary

14 June 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Salary Scale

Mark O'Doherty

Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip

14 June 2017

16 October 2018

Principal Officer

Ed Carty

Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip

12 March 2018

16 October 2018

Principal Officer

Greg Harkin

Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip

14 June 2017

15 Feb 2018

Principal Officer

Peter Feeney

Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip

16 October 2018

n/a

Principal Officer

Peter Harper

Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip

16 October 2018

n/a

Principal Officer

Name

Role

Start Date

End Date

Salary Scale

Tony Williams

Chief Strategist for the Independent Alliance

14 June 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

Donal Geoghegan

Political Coordinator for Independent Ministers

14 June 2017

n/a

Principal Officer

The Special Advisers working in my office provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing other functions as I may direct from time to time. They also liaise with other Special Advisers in each Government Department so that I am informed on developments across Government.

The Government Press Secretary acts as a spokesperson for me, as Taoiseach, and the Government and is assisted by the Assistant Government Press Secretary in coordinating the media relations of all Government Departments.

The Deputy Government Press Secretary - who is also based in my Department - coordinates communications for all the Independents in Government.

Special Advisers working with Minister of State Helen McEntee and Minister of State Paul Kehoe are employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Department of Defence respectively.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (109)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

109. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the number of boards or agencies to which his officials have been appointed; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; and if so, when same was last updated. [6653/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I appoint members to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) under the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) Act 2006 and the NESC (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010 - SI 603/ 2010.

In accordance with the legislation, two officials from my Department at Secretary General and Assistant Secretary level currently have the position of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the body corporate for the NESC. Section 13 of the NESDO Act 2006 provides that the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the NESC are members of the NESDO.

I also appoint members to the National Statistics Board (NSB) under Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993 which provides that the NSB shall consist of eight members, including an Assistant Secretary or equivalent or higher grade in the Department of the Taoiseach. One official at Assistant Secretary level in my Department, has been appointed to the National Statistics Board.

One Principal Officer in my Department has been nominated to the Council of Gaisce. Gaisce is governed by a board of directors, the Gaise Council, whose appointments are made by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under the terms of the Gaisce Council's Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies to all members of State Boards including any officials appointed.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 107.

Departmental Consultations

Ceisteanna (111)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

111. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement between his Department and Kildare County Council regarding ongoing land management and maintenance of the Curragh plains. [6360/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has met with Kildare County Council to discuss and explore the potential for collaboration on addressing issues and identifying opportunities for the improved management and presentation of the Plains. To this end, the Department has confirmed its support of Kildare County Council's application for funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The funding is sought for the purpose of appointing a multidisciplinary consultancy team in order to examine the current and future challenges arising for the Curragh Plains, in the context of the conservation and management of the Plains, the scope for branding, and the development potential of the area as a high value visitor and cultural amenity attraction.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Ceisteanna (112)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

112. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the protests over pay and conditions by veterans and families of the Defence Forces. [6365/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the views expressed and the issues raised in relation to protests by veterans and families of the Defence Forces. I note in particular the call for the restoration of pay.

The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, that is RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel) to present claims and proposals relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

Similar to other sectors in the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures necessary to stabilise national finances during the financial crisis. The recovery in the economy has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a fair and sustainable recovery in public service pay scales.

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.

In 2016, the Government established the Public Service Pay Commission to provide objective advice to Government in relation to Public Service pay policy. Following the publication of the Public Service Pay Commission report in May 2017, the Government initiated negotiations on an extension to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was accepted by members of the Permanent Defence Forces, through their 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 in 2018 and from 1 January 2019 have been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel. Further increases in pay are scheduled for 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 in the agreement.

New entrants who joined the Defence Forces since 2011, will 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, which I am pleased to say has recently been accepted by PDFORRA, will be effective for their members from 1 March 2019.

In accordance with the provisions of Public Services Stability Agreement 2018-2020, the Government has tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with conducting a more comprehensive examination of the specific recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, which the Commission identified in Chapter 6 of its report in May 2017. 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.

Defence Forces Resources

Ceisteanna (113)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

113. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which partnerships have been encouraged between the Defence Forces and the private sector in County Kildare with a view to increased research, innovation and enterprise development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government approved arrangements in July 2011, whereby Enterprise Ireland (EI) would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The Government allowed for greater engagement with EI and EI supported companies which could contribute to Defence Forces capabilities across the full range of its activities.

The Government's White Paper on Defence states that my Department will "identify opportunities for cooperative-collaborative engagement between the Defence Forces and Irish-based enterprise and research institutes, including third level colleges". In line with this, work is on-going to further develop the Defence Enterprise Initiative.

Projects proposed by research institutes and companies, where they are seeking to partner with, or involve, Defence Force participation are submitted to the Defence Enterprise Committee for consideration. The Defence Enterprise Committee consists of personnel from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Enterprise Ireland. All proposed capabilities are vetted and agreed at the highest level in the Defence Organisation to ensure compatibility with the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government.

It is important to point out that engagement is targeted towards companies and research institutes that have relevant technologies or are developing technologies which can support Defence Force capabilities and therefore does not target specific geographical locations. However, I am aware of two projects involving the Defence Forces and County Kildare based companies or research institutes, both of which have successfully secured funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 Programme.

My Department and the Defence Forces will continue to provide assistance to Enterprise Ireland and companies supported by this agency in 2019 and beyond, with a view to increased research, innovation and enterprise development in Ireland.

Military Medals

Ceisteanna (114)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

114. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the family of a person (details supplied) was granted medals in recognition of that individual's service and sacrifice; and if not, if a medal will be granted. [6484/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that a posthumous medal was not awarded to the family of the person in question. The matter is currently being examined in my Department on foot of representations made to me and it is hoped to bring the matter to a conclusion in the near future.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Ceisteanna (115)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

115. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of sick leave taken by members of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in each year since 2000, by officer and enlisted personnel per service, in tabular form. [6513/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with other sectors, sick leave statistics for the Permanent Defence Force are compiled annually and provided to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (D/PER). These statistics are used in order to track the level of absenteeism across the Public Service. The absentee rates for the Public Service are then published by D/PER.

As per Defence Force Regulation A12, sick leave may be granted to a member of the Permanent Defence Force, on the recommendation of a Medical Officer, or if not practicable, on the recommendation of a civilian medical practitioner.

The total number of sick leave days taken by members of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, in each year since 2005*, by officer and enlisted personnel, as advised by the Military Authorities, are set out in tabular form below.

Year

Army Officer

Army

Other Ranks

Air Corps

Officer

Air Corps

Other

Ranks

Naval Service

Officer

Naval Service

Other Ranks

2018

1314

69290

314

7691

622

7502

2017

1309

63382

533

5912

475

6706

2016

1210

61966

517

4359

229

6872

2015

1354

54909

515

4328

358

6669

2014

1487

46837

510

4132

420

5488

2013

1502

48498

404

4223

387

5008

2012

1600

45448

200

3190

284

4830

2011

1799

50200

195

2592

359

5359

2010

1529

57507

404

3326

411

5648

2009

1805

52900

350

3392

281

5823

2008

1592

60173

259

6910

366

4686

2007

1307

59810

304

7801

221

7234

2006

1490

60556

229

12245

196

5934

2005

1660

53992

357

10853

397

4466

*All absences due to ill health are recorded on the Defence Forces Personnel Management System (PMS). However, sick leave data is not captured on this system prior to 2005. Accordingly, it is not feasible to compile the figures for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, due to the large amount of work required in extracting and calculating the totals manually.

Ministerial Advisers Data

Ceisteanna (116)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

116. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have two special advisers, who are employed in an un-established capacity at the civil service grade of Principal, who provide me with advice on policy and communication matters.

The salary scale associated with these posts is currently €85,823 - €105,552, which is the scale for Principals appointed on or after 6 April 1995.

Defence Forces Properties

Ceisteanna (117)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

117. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to develop lands in the area of the Defence Forces training centre on the Curragh to enhance relationships with the local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6625/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The lands in the area of the Defence Forces Training Centre form part of the Curragh Plains, a site unique in terms of its archaeological, environmental, historical and cultural heritage.

As custodian of the Curragh Plains, my Department is very aware of the competing challenges faced in relation to conservation of the land and its use by members of the public.

My Department is always open to considering requests from local community groups seeking access to the Curragh. Such requests are facilitated where possible, taking account of the constraints that exist in relation to the preservation of the Curragh and also of the needs of the DFTC as an operational military facility located within the Plains.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (118)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

118. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of boards or agencies to which his officials have been appointed; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same was last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6643/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that an official from my Department has been appointed to each of the following three boards -

- the Interim Public Sector Procurement Reform Board

- the National Shared Services Office Advisory Board

- the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management

The provisions of Circular 12/2010, Protocol for Civil Servants Nominated to the Boards of Non-commercial State Bodies, which are also incorporated within the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, apply to officials of the Department of Defence. These are the most recent protocols that exist for officials being appointed to boards or agencies.

Defence Forces Pensions

Ceisteanna (119)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

119. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a retired member of the Defence Forces (details supplied) has not received an increase in pension entitlement for the past decade; when a pension will be received by retired Army ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6743/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020 sets out the policy on public service pension increases as adopted by Government for the duration of that agreement to end-2020, whereby some public service pensions qualify to be increased on foot of basic pay increases due under the terms of the PSSA.

Due to the 2010 public service pay cuts and the ‘grace period’ protections associated with those reductions, former public servants who retired before 1 March 2012 – such as the person in question – have their pensions based on higher ‘pre-cut’ salary levels. This has led to the situation whereby those who retired since 1 March 2012, on a like-for-like basis, generally receive lower pensions than their counterparts who retired before them.

Under Section 6.2 of the PSSA, a guiding principle of current pension increase policy is the need to adopt an equitable approach. This means that those who retired since 1 March 2012 must first ‘catch up’ with their counterparts – such as the person in question – who retired before them on higher pension rates.

There is an ongoing administrative exercise over the course of the PSSA to review and adjust public service pension rates in line with current policy. As regards military pensioners who retired since 1 March 2012, I am advised that, generally speaking, the benefit of the recent pay increases including the 1% from 1 January 2018 and 1% from 1 October 2018 under the PSSA has now been passed on (with arrears) to those post-1 March 2012 retirees, including any associated dependants. The next scheduled pay increase for public servants including members of the Defence Forces is 1.75% from 1 September 2019.

The pension increase policy out to end-2020 also provides that the benefit of the PSSA pay increases will be passed on to qualifying pre-March 2012 pensioners, but only where the pensions of those who retired since March 2012 with analogous retiring rank, pensionable service etc. have moved ahead of pre-March 2012 retirees. In that context, military pension rates will continue to be monitored and reviewed by my Department according as each pay increase is being implemented.

However, as matters currently stand, this person’s pension remains ahead of his counterparts who have the same retiring rank and pensionable service etc., and who retired from the Defence Forces since 1 March 2012.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Ceisteanna (120)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

120. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 110 to 112, inclusive, of 28 November 2018 and No. 75 of 24 January 2019, the reason for the delay in answering the original three questions; the exact timeframe for reply in this regard; if all written parliamentary questions in respect of the Defence Forces are subject to similar delays in issuing responses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6754/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information sought by the Deputy through his original questions in November is extensive. The Defence Forces continue to work on extracting the material sought from their records. Officials in my Department are in on-going contact with the military authorities in this regard.

I acknowledge the passage of time in replying to the deputy and can assure him that my officials remain engaged with the military authorities to ensure that the task of providing the data sought by the Deputy is prioritised by the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Ceisteanna (121)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

121. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of appointments in the Defence Forces training centre for civilian employees; the number of these positions unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Civilian Employees are appointed to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. There are currently 119 civilian staff employed in the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) in the Curragh, and a number of recruitment campaigns are currently under way. A further 11 applicants have been successful in recent recruitment campaigns for the DFTC, and have yet to commence employment.

The recruitment of Civilian Employees for military installations is an ongoing process, based on a combination of the filling of consequential vacancies which have arisen due to promotions and retirements, and the filling of priority vacancies on the basis of identified requirements.

Army Barracks

Ceisteanna (122)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

122. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding has been made available for the refurbishment of catering facilities at Custume Barracks, Athlone; and when the project will commence. [6998/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The need to refurbish and upgrade the existing Dining Hall at Custume Barracks, for the purpose of providing a modern kitchen and dining facility to accommodate all ranks stationed at the Barracks, was identified as part of the ongoing Capital Building Programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces.

To this end, I approved funding to award the main works contract last October 2018 with Bourke Builders (Ballina) Ltd for a Contract Sum of €4.19m. Construction work for this project started on 26 Oct 2018 and work is due to be completed by the end of 2019.

Air Corps Equipment

Ceisteanna (123)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

123. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the replacement of CASA maritime patrol aircraft within the Air Corps. [6999/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The White Paper on Defence 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. The cost of the aircraft will only be known once the tender competition is concluded.

The Deputy may wish to note that the White Paper also provides for the replacement of the current Air Corps Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft which will be equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Following an open tender competition, a contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 at a cost of some €32m for the provision of three PC-12 fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR tasks which will replace the Cessna fleet. It is expected that the three aircraft will be delivered by 2020.

In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence has been increased to €106 million for 2019, an increase of €29 million. The NDP provides for a total of €541 million over the period 2018 to 2022. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years. The replacement of the Air Corps Cessna aircraft and the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft are among the projects included.

Irish Aid

Ceisteanna (124)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

124. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the compliance of Irish Aid in regard to public sector equality duties and specifically if its volunteer rosters are equipped for disabled volunteers; if the rosters possess independent appeal processes that include disability in regard to volunteer membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6596/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including its Development Cooperation and Africa Division, is fully compliant with its duties under article 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014, which provides that a public body shall in the performance of its functions have regard to the need to: (a) eliminate discrimination; (b) promote equality of opportunity and treatment of its staff and the persons to whom it provides services and (c) protect the human rights of its members, staff and the persons to whom it provides services. It should be noted that as volunteer roster members are neither members of the Department’s staff, nor persons to whom the Department provides a service, the article 42 provision cited above does not apply. Nonetheless, consistent with the approach of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, in the event of any candidate with a disability requesting a reasonable accommodation at the time of application, such a request would be given full and thorough consideration.

As stated in the response to Parliamentary Question 58 of 7 February 2019, Ireland's policy on overseas volunteering is set out in the Volunteering Initiative, which promotes skills-based, sustainable volunteering overseas, working in partnership with third parties. The forthcoming launch of a new White Paper on International Development provides an opportunity to review our approach to overseas volunteering to ensure that it keeps pace with the evolving discourse on volunteering for development, and also with the development of best practice on promoting equality and diversity at home and abroad. The Department will consult with relevant stakeholders to take this work forward.

The arrangements for volunteer roster members, and for volunteer roster appeals processes have been set out in the responses to previous Parliamentary Questions, including No. 65 of 6 February 2019, No. 58 of 7 February 2019 and No. 60 of 23 January 2019.

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (125, 126, 127)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

125. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken at EU and international level to address human rights concerns in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6406/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niall Collins

Ceist:

126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU or international community has formally investigated reports of torture in prisons in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niall Collins

Ceist:

127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action taken or that will be taken regarding the detention of human rights activists in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 to 127, inclusive, together.

The human rights situation in Bahrain is deteriorating, and is a matter of growing concerns. Despite the Bahraini Government stating its commitment to improving its human rights record, citizens in Bahrain are living in an increasingly restrictive society. In recent years there has been further erosion of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of opinion and expression.

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. We continually advocate for the right of civil society actors and human rights defenders to operate in a safe environment, without fear of reprisal for speaking out. Ireland, as a small country, amplifies its voice on human rights issues through multilateral engagement and through measured recommendations offered as part of constructive dialogue. Ireland has repeatedly raised Bahraini issues at the UN Human Rights Council.

For example, we have repeatedly highlighted concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain as part of our Item 4 Statements ("human rights situations that require the Council’s attention") over the last few years. Ireland has expressed concern about the treatment of human rights defenders and the shrinking of civil society space in Bahrain. At the last HRC Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain's human rights record in 2017, Ireland urged Bahrain to accept an open offer by the OHCHR to visit Bahrain.

Ireland urges all states to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees and is committed to the prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Our voice has been prominent in highlighting this thematic issue. HRC Resolution 36/16, which Ireland co-sponsored, calls upon states to ‘investigate promptly, effectively and impartially all alleged human rights violations and abuses suffered by persons deprived of their liberty, in particular cases involving death, torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to provide effective remedies to the victims, and to ensure that detention administrations cooperate fully with the investigating authority and preserve all evidence’. Ireland has also co-sponsored thematic Resolutions in the Human Rights Council concerning human rights in the administration of justice; and concerning torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

My Department will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights. While Ireland has positive bilateral relations with Bahrain, this does not prevent us from raising our concerns through the appropriate channels. My Department has consistently raised issues of human rights in Bahrain directly with Bahraini officials, as well as at EU and international level, and we will continue to do so whenever opportunities arise.

Barr
Roinn