Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Written Answers Nos. 49-73

Homeless Persons Data

Ceisteanna (49)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

49. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach the person or body that takes account of homeless persons when the census is being compiled (details supplied). [18917/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Central Statistics Office carried out the homeless count as part of Census 2016.

The methodology for conducting the homeless count was to identify establishments where homeless persons were staying on Census night and also to carry out a rough sleepers count on the night of Census, 24th April, 2016.

In 2011 the list of establishments was compiled mainly from a list of accommodation and establishments being funded by the State, supplemented by CSO’s own contacts with NGOs providing voluntary homeless accommodation.

Due to the extent of homelessness in 2016, the variety of approaches being used to accommodate homeless persons increased. This served to heighten the complexity of conducting the homeless count.

Significantly, there was increased reliance on the use of commercial hotels for accommodating adults with child dependents in lieu of access to established temporary emergency accommodation for homeless persons.

The methodology used to identify a person as homeless for the purposes of enumeration was agreed in advance at a meeting of the Census Homeless Methodology Liaison Group, held on January 8th, 2015. This meeting was attended by major stakeholders involved in providing services to the homeless. The membership of the Census Homeless Methodology Liaison Group was drawn from the following organisations:

- Focus Ireland

- Simon Communities of Ireland

- St Vincent De Paul

- Depaul Ireland

- Peter McVerry Trust

- National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA NUI Maynooth)

- Cork City Council

- Westmeath County Council

- Sophia

- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College

- Dublin Region Homeless Executive

- Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

- Central Statistics Office

At that meeting it was agreed that persons would be classified as being homeless on the basis of where they spent Census Night, as opposed to some element of self-identification, such as responding to a specific question on the census form. This is the same approach used to enumerate homeless persons in Census 2011.

It was also agreed that DHPLG, local authorities and agencies working with the homeless would provide CSO with lists of accommodation which were designated as providing shelter for homeless persons. To facilitate this approach, the Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) was utilised to help identify these establishments. PASS is the national client management data system hosted by the DRHE (National PASS Office) on behalf of the Department and all housing authorities. All Ireland’s local authorities use PASS on a daily basis as the data system that supports interactions with persons using homeless services in their locality.

The DRHE was responsible for the delivery of rough sleeper counts in Dublin. Elsewhere in the country, the enumerators were to be cognisant of their areas and report any rough sleepers to their supervisors for enumeration.

In advance of Census 2021, it is the intention of the CSO to reconvene the Census Homeless Methodology Liaison Group and ensure that any relevant bodies working with Homeless persons are represented on the group.

A link is attached for the deputy with more detailed information on methodological notes on the Census 2016 homeless count.

www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cp5hpi/cp5hpi/bgn/.

Live Register Data

Ceisteanna (50)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

50. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the Live Register in each of the past five years by age group and county (details supplied); the number of social welfare offices in Galway city and county; and the unemployment rates for each social welfare office in Galway city and county. [19064/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Live Register series provides a monthly breakdown of the number of persons claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and Other Registrants as registered with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

The most recent Live Register figures available are for April 2019.

Table 1 below shows the annual average number of persons on the Live Register classified by county for the years 2014 to 2018.

Table 2 below shows the number of persons on the Live Register by county for the months January to April 2019.

Table 3 below shows the annual average number of persons on the Live Register classified by age group for the years 2014 to 2018.

Table 4 below shows the number of persons on the Live Register classified by age group for the months January to April 2019.

Table 5 below shows the number of persons on the Live Register in County Galway Social Welfare Offices, April 2019.

The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of unemployment (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

LFS estimates of unemployment are produced by NUTS 3 regions and the most recent figures available are for Q4 2018.

The NUTS-3 West region includes Galway City, County Galway, County Mayo and County Roscommon. Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable county estimates from the LFS.

The unemployment rate for the NUTS 3 West region was 5.8% in Q4 2018.

Table 1 Annual average number of persons on the Live Register classified by county, 2014 to 2018

County	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018 1
Carlow	6,317	5,758	5,093	4,224	3,686
Cavan	6,420	5,722	5,106	4,268	3,629
Clare	8,640	7,831	6,906	6,057	5,226
Cork	36,425	32,218	27,676	23,298	19,342
Donegal	19,088	17,296	15,306	13,166	11,403
Dublin	92,955	82,562	73,278	63,216	53,651
Galway	19,543	17,199	15,239	13,395	11,622
Kerry	13,659	12,462	10,891	9,285	7,979
Kildare	16,635	15,109	12,937	10,832	9,172
Kilkenny	6,560	5,829	5,022	4,185	3,518
Laoighis	8,331	7,344	6,477	5,499	4,512
Leitrim	3,019	2,792	2,500	2,190	1,873
Limerick	16,707	14,456	12,686	10,601	8,917
Longford	4,656	4,254	3,779	3,215	2,764
Louth	15,306	13,864	12,097	10,172	8,631
Mayo	11,547	10,577	9,358	8,306	7,378
Meath	9,407	8,267	7,191	5,964	5,158
Monaghan	5,860	4,926	4,192	3,510	2,932
North Tipperary	6,720	6,140	5,612	4,872	4,203
Offaly	8,406	7,596	6,750	5,504	4,475
Roscommon	3,716	3,338	3,029	2,671	2,372
Sligo	4,903	4,492	4,125	3,622	3,182
South Tipperary	8,315	7,608	6,790	5,684	4,675
Waterford	12,503	11,246	10,111	8,715	7,765
Westmeath	9,565	8,758	7,994	6,866	5,652
Wexford	16,890	15,369	13,540	11,650	9,972
Wicklow	11,370	10,258	8,978	7,614	6,230
State	383,461	343,269	302,661	258,580	220,065

Source: CSO Live Register

1 From January 2018, registrations which have yet not being assigned to a DEASP local office of registration are included in the Live Register Totals. These registrations are not included in individual county totals in this table.

Table 2 Number of persons on the Live Register classified by county 1 , January - April 2019

County	January	February	March	April
Carlow	3,409	3,335	3,277	3,367
Cavan	3,242	3,271	3,220	3,172
Clare	5,045	4,876	4,646	4,657
Cork	16,536	16,198	15,598	16,029
Donegal	10,519	10,343	10,163	10,102
Dublin	48,159	47,926	47,276	47,122
Galway	10,667	10,607	10,309	10,244
Kerry	8,399	8,113	7,586	7,128
Kildare	8,095	7,958	7,842	7,970
Kilkenny	3,161	3,126	3,068	3,083
Laoighis	4,055	3,986	3,931	3,894
Leitrim	1,804	1,742	1,692	1,737
Limerick	7,783	7,601	7,498	7,442
Longford	2,514	2,510	2,495	2,514
Louth	7,941	7,865	7,758	7,941
Mayo	6,975	6,813	6,676	6,692
Meath	4,581	4,551	4,562	4,665
Monaghan	2,582	2,553	2,472	2,549
North Tipperary	3,749	3,731	3,644	3,656
Offaly	4,000	3,926	3,809	3,885
Roscommon	2,204	2,182	2,112	2,122
Sligo	2,848	2,821	2,730	2,742
South Tipperary	4,119	4,013	3,902	4,036
Waterford	7,125	7,029	6,805	6,899
Westmeath	4,964	4,954	4,809	4,899
Wexford	9,260	9,057	8,881	8,773
Wicklow	5,633	5,594	5,480	5,533
State	199,627	196,934	192,407	193,118

Source: CSO Live Register

1 From January 2018, registrations which have yet not being assigned to a DEASP local office of registration are included in the Live Register Totals. These registrations are not included in individual county totals in this table

Table 3 Annual average number of persons on the Live Register classified by age group, 2014 to 2018

Age Group	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Under 25 years	56,906	45,933	36,606	29,490	23,816
25 - 34 years	107,373	92,005	77,961	63,768	51,983
35 - 44 years	87,310	79,283	70,351	59,734	50,546
45 - 54 years	70,330	65,514	59,745	52,176	45,111
55 - 59 years	31,444	29,386	27,028	24,096	21,417
60 - 64 years	30,098	31,147	30,912	29,316	27,192
All persons	383,461	343,269	302,603	258,580	220,065

Source: CSO Live Register

Table 4 Number of persons on the Live Register classified by age group, January - April 2019

Age group	January	February	March	April
Under 25 years	20,877	20,868	20,450	19,949
25 - 34 years	46,175	45,096	44,037	43,770
35 - 44 years	45,831	45,172	44,161	44,067
45 - 54 years	41,109	40,620	39,609	40,240
55 - 59 years	19,806	19,548	18,978	19,454
60 - 64 years	25,829	25,630	25,172	25,638
All persons	199,627	196,934	192,407	193,118

Source: CSO Live Register

Table 5 Number of persons on the Live Register in County Galway Social Welfare Offices, April 2019

	April 2019
Ballinasloe	1,152
Clifden	659
Galway City	5,021
Gort	722
Loughrea	1,096
Tuam	1,594
County Galway	10,244

Source: CSO Live Register

Civil Service Staff Data

Ceisteanna (51)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

51. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed at each level of the Civil Service from Secretary General to cleaner each year since 2016; and the number of those at each level that are female in each year since 2016, in tabular form. [18434/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.

Table 1: Department of the Taoiseach Staff by Grade and Gender - 30 April 2019*

Grade	Total	Male	Female
Secretary General	1	1	0
Second Secretary General	1	1	0
Assistant Secretary	5	3	2
Principal Officer	15	7	8
Assistant Principal Officer	40	13	27
Higher Executive Officer	34	9	25
Administrative Officer	16	5	11
Executive Officer	39	9	30
Clerical Officer	39	17	22
Services Staff (including cleaners)	18	12	6
Total	208	77	131

*excludes politically appointed staff

Table 2: Department of the Taoiseach Staff by Grade and Gender - 31 December 2018*

Grade	Total	Male	Female
Secretary General	1	1	0
Second Secretary General	1	1	0
Assistant Secretary	5	3	2
Principal Officer	15	7	8
Assistant Principal Officer	40	13	27
Higher Executive Officer	34	9	25
Administrative Officer	16	5	11
Executive Officer	37	7	30
Clerical Officer	37	16	21
Services Staff (including cleaners)	18	12	6
Total	204	74	130

*excludes politically appointed staff

Table 3: Department of the Taoiseach Staff by Grade and Gender - 31 December 2017*

Grade	Total No.	Male	Female
Secretary General	1	1	0
Second Secretary General	1	1	0
Assistant Secretary	7	5	2
Principal Officer	13	6	7
Assistant Principal Officer	36	15	21
Higher Executive Officer	31	8	23
Administrative Officer	19	7	12
Executive Officer	32	7	25
Clerical Officer	42	13	29
Services Staff (including cleaners)	18	12	6
Total	200	75	125

*excludes politically appointed staff

Table 4: Department of the Taoiseach Staff by Grade and Gender - 31 December 2016*

Grade	Total No.	Male	Female
Secretary General	1	1	0
Second Secretary General	1	1	0
Assistant Secretary	5	4	1
Principal Officer	13	3	10
Assistant Principal Officer	31	12	19
Higher Executive Officer	29	7	22
Administrative Officer	11	5	6
Staff Officer	5	0	5
Executive Officer	26	9	17
Clerical Officer	34	5	29
Services Staff (including cleaners)	18	11	7
Total	174	58	116

*excludes politically appointed staff

Departmental Agencies Data

Ceisteanna (52)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

52. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the State agencies and bodies under the remit of his Department; the location of each such body by county; and the number of full and part-time persons employed in each such body. [18435/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Development Office, based in Dublin, is the only body under the aegis of my Department.

There are currently 12 persons working full-time and 4 persons working part-time in the office (14.5 Full Time Equivalents).

Unemployment Data

Ceisteanna (53)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

53. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Taoiseach the rate of jobless households here; the way in which this compares to the EU average; and the number of jobless households by county. [18119/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of data for the jobless household indicator. The latest LFS annual data available for Ireland is for the year 2018.

The jobless households indicator is compiled by calculating the proportion of all persons aged 0 - 59 years who are living in jobless households.

Estimates for the jobless household indicator are produced by NUTS 3 Regions and are not available on a county basis.

Table 1 below shows the proportion of persons aged 0-59 years in jobless households in 2018 for Ireland and the latest corresponding EU 28 data for 2018.

Table 2 below shows the proportion of all persons aged 0-59 years living in jobless households classified by NUTS3 region in 2018.

Table 1 Proportion of persons aged 0-59 years in jobless households, 2018 1 (annual average)

Proportion of persons aged 0-17 years in jobless households	% 2018 1
Ireland	11.4
EU 28	9.4
Proportion of persons aged 18-59 years in jobless households
Ireland	9.4
EU 28	9.0
Proportion of persons aged 0-59 years in jobless households
Ireland	10.0
EU 28	n/a

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland and Eurostat.

1 Calculated as average of four quarters.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: January - December (annual average).

Table 2 Proportion of all persons aged 0-59 living in jobless households classified by NUTS3 region, 2018 1 (annual average)

Proportion of all persons aged 0-59 living in jobless households	% 2018 1
Border	9.2
West	12.0
Mid-West	11.2
South-East	13.0
South-West	9.5
Dublin	8.4
Mid-East	8.3
Midland	14.4
State	10.0

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland and Eurostat.

1 Calculated as average of four quarters.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: January - December (annual average).

Taoiseach's Communications

Ceisteanna (54)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

54. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he has contacted the Government of Sri Lanka to express his condemnation of the recent attacks on churches and other properties; and if so, the date of same. [19256/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I wrote to Prime Minster Wickremesinghe on 24 April condemning the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and expressing condolences on behalf of the Government of Ireland to the victims of these attacks.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (55)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

55. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Prime Minister May since the murder of a person (details supplied); and if he discussed preparations regarding the structures and substance of the talks to commence shortly. [19816/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I spoke with Prime Minister May on 24th April when we both attended the funeral of Ms Lyra McKee, in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. In coming together with other political leaders we paid tribute to Lyra McKee and gave expression to the clear will and determination of all of the people of these islands to reject violence and to support peace and a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland. We also heard the unmistakable message to all political leaders that people across Northern Ireland want to see a new momentum for political progress.

The Prime Minister and I agreed to initiate a new round of political talks, involving all the main political parties in Northern Ireland, together with the UK and Irish Governments. The aim of these talks is to re-establish to full operation the democratic institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement - the NI Executive, Assembly and North-South Ministerial Council - so that they can effectively serve all of the people for the future. This talks process started on 7 May in Stormont, led by Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD, and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley.

We also agreed that a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference would take place in London on 8 May. The BIIGC will consider East/West relations, security cooperation, and political stability in Northern Ireland.

As Taoiseach and Prime Minister, we have agreed to review progress at the end of May.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (56)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

56. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken with Prime Minister May or other EU leaders regarding the withdrawal treaty since the last European Council meeting. [19817/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I last spoke with Prime Minister May on 24 April, when we both attended the funeral of Lyra McKee, in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. Our discussions focussed on developments in Northern Ireland, and our common efforts to see the institutions re-established there.

I have had no formal bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts since the last meeting of the European Council on 11 April.

However, I will travel to The Hague today Wednesday, 8 May to meet with Prime Minister Mark Rutte. We will exchange views on developments regarding Brexit, as well as the future direction of Europe, and bilateral relations.

I will attend the Informal Summit in Sibiu, Romania, tomorrow where I will have the opportunity to engage with my other EU counterparts.

A number of other engagements are envisaged for the period ahead and these will be confirmed in due course.

I am pleased that the outcome of the European Council avoided a no-deal exit on 29 March. It is now up to the U.K. to decide what it wants to do. I believe that the Withdrawal Agreement continues to be the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal, and to avoid a hard border.

Unfortunately, the risk of a no deal exit has not been fully averted and in light of this, preparations for all outcomes are continuing at both domestic and EU level.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Ceisteanna (57)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

57. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee D, infrastructure, last met. [19818/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Cabinet Committee D last met on 31 January 2019.

The Committee’s objective is to ensure a coordinated approach to policy and delivery in the areas of infrastructure investment, housing, and climate action. It also provides an opportunity for political oversight in relation to Project Ireland 2040.

Significant work is underway across each of these areas through Government Departments and Agencies and a range of inter-departmental groups such as the Climate Action High Level Steering Group and the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board. In addition, these matters are regularly considered at meetings of the Government itself.

Taoiseach's Communications

Ceisteanna (58)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

58. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken with the Prime Minister of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez, since the recent election result there. [19819/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I have not spoken directly with Prime Minister Sánchez since the recent elections in Spain. However I look forward to seeing him again at the Informal Summit in Sibiu, Romania, this Thursday, 9 May.

My last formal interaction with Prime Minister Sánchez was on 28 December, 2018 when we spoke by phone. I also met and engaged informally with him at the meetings of the European Council in March and April.

Ongoing political engagement with our EU and international partners continues to be crucial and I use every opportunity to advance Ireland's interests with my fellow members of the European Council.

Air Corps Operations

Ceisteanna (59)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

59. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps was not permitted to land at Baldonnel Aerodrome on 26 January 2019 with a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18801/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all medical air transport arrangements whether by the Coastguard, private operators or the Air Corps.

In relation to the availability of Baldonnel on the date referred to by the Deputy, I am advised by the Military Authorities that the HSE National Emergency Operations Centre requested permission to land and refuel for a Coast Guard Helicopter. The helicopter was travelling from Tralee to Dublin.

The HSE National Emergency Operations Centre informed the Air Corps Duty Officer that the tasking was not critical. Based on that information, the Duty Officer declined the request.

Army Barracks

Ceisteanna (60)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

60. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the water supply at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, will be reinstated (details supplied); and the reason there has been no running water supply for an extended period of time. [18460/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am advised by my officials that there is no issue with the water supply to Columb Barracks, Mullingar at present. There was a water leak on the property and the necessary arrangements were made to have this fixed by a water services company.

Foreign Naval Vessels

Ceisteanna (61)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

61. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which three Royal Navy vessels (details supplied) were authorised to conduct military exercises in Irish waters in the Dublin Fingal area on 16 April 2019; and the authorisation that was provided for same. [18686/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Visits from foreign naval vessels are a long-standing and common practice in Ireland and worldwide.

Foreign naval vessels are granted permission by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to visit Irish ports on condition that they meet the necessary policy stipulations. This requires that visiting naval vessels do not carry nuclear weapons and do not engage in military exercises.

The three Royal Navy University training boats, named HMS Explorer, Archer and Example were in Ireland as part of a routine visit and Irish Naval Service personnel availed of an opportunity to conduct navigation training exercises in Dublin Bay on the date in question.

The Ireland-UK Memorandum of Understanding on defence and security co-operation provides for bilateral engagement on exercises, training and military education.

Military Medals

Ceisteanna (62)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

62. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to award a medal in 2021 to the Defence Forces and the national statutory and voluntary emergency services for their service to communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

There are currently two medals that mark the service of personnel with either the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve Defence Force. The medal known as An Bonn Seirbhíse (The Service Medal) may be awarded to an officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the Defence Forces, or a member of the Army Nursing or Chaplaincy Service who possess the qualifying criteria for the award. The qualifying service for officers and members of the Chaplaincy Service and Army Nursing Service is 5,475 days satisfactory and continuous service. The qualifying service for NCOs and Privates is 3,650 days satisfactory and continuous service.

Members or former members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve qualify for an Bonn Seirbhíse (Na hÓglaigh Cúltaca) (The Service Medal (Reserve Defence Force)) after 7 years service.

The award of either of these medals to qualifying personnel reflects the service given by those personnel to either the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve Defence Force as the case may be, and by extension the wider public, during the periods for which they served.

Civil Defence volunteers are currently awarded medals for service at 10 years, 20 years and up to and including 50 years.

Recognition of the contribution to the State by members of other national statutory and voluntary emergency services is a matter that is not within my remit as the Minister with responsibility for Defence.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (63)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

63. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of external organisations or membership-based organisations his Department is a member of; the year in which his Department joined the organisation; the amount paid in membership in each of the past five years; the level of interaction between his Department and the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18785/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department is a member of three external organisations. Details of the three organisations and the amount paid to each in membership fees in the period 2015 to 2019 are set out in the table below.

Name of Organisation	Year Joined	Amounts Paid	Level of Interaction
Governance Forum at the Institute of Public Administration	2016	2015 - €0 2016 - €4,000 2017 - €4,000 2018 - €4,500 2019 - €4,500	This forum has been established to provide advice, training and information on good governance. The forum is managed by the Institute of Public Administration to provide a network, events and advice on governance issues from a public interest perspective. As a member organisation of the Governance Forum since 2016, my Department avails of the range of services provided by the Forum, including attendance at briefing events and conferences, customised in-house training and consultancy, advice from governance specialists and access to the Governance Forum web site.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Network Ireland	2009	2015 - €1,500 2016 - €1,500 2017 - €1,500 2018 - €0 2019 - €1,500	Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Network Ireland provides a forum for the promotion and exchange of best practice information on CISM and information on standards, availability and provision of training for CISM. My Department is a member of the Network to maintain currency in relation to this area.
Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA)	1993	2015 - €7,000 2016 - €8,500 2017 - €10,000 2018 - €10,000 2019 - €10,000	The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) is Ireland’s leading think tank on European and International affairs. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. Its aim is to provide a forum for those with an interest in strategic planning in Irish Foreign and EU policy, and to evaluate and disseminate strategic policy options in these areas. As a corporate member of the Institute, staff of my Department attend many of the briefing events and conferences which it organises over the course of any year.

Ministerial Invitations

Ceisteanna (64)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

64. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his officials or political staff were recipients of tickets and-or hospitality from an organisation (details supplied) during the term of office of a person; the details of each occasion tickets and-or hospitality was provided by the organisation during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18786/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

In June 2017, I hosted a visit by the Austrian Minister of Defence and Sport and delegates. The visit of the Austrian Minister coincided with an event, run by the organisation to which the Deputy refers, and involving both Austria and Ireland. In the context of that official visit, my Office contacted the organisation to determine if tickets could be made available to facilitate the attendance of our Austrian visitors and their Irish counterparts at the event. On foot of that request, the organisation concerned made 12 premium level tickets available for those involved with the visit and I attended the event, together with my Austrian counterpart.

Civil Defence

Ceisteanna (65)

James Lawless

Ceist:

65. Deputy James Lawless asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role and functions of the Civil Defence; if there will be forthcoming changes to these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19182/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Government policy on Civil Defence is set out in the 2015 Government White Paper on Defence. This states that the central strategic objective of Civil Defence is to support the Principal Response Agencies of the Local Authorities, An Gardaí Síochána and the Health Service Executive in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations. A large number of support roles for Civil Defence are listed under the Framework for Major Emergency Management. These include assisting in dealing with a wide range of emergencies at national and local level and include severe weather, flooding and searches for missing persons.

In addition to supporting the Principal Response Agencies, Civil Defence has a long and proud tradition of assisting at community events. These events allow Civil Defence volunteers practice their skills while contributing to their community.

In September 2018, I announced a review of the roles and functions of Civil Defence. The review will inform the commitment in the 2015 Government White Paper on Defence to update Civil Defence legislation. The outcome of the review will be a policy document titled "Towards 2030". The document will be an update on the existing "Towards 2000" document which dates from the mid 1990s. Given the passage of time and the changes within the organisation and society in general since the mid 1990s, it is an opportune and appropriate time for this review.

The review process has involved a wide ranging consultation with all relevant stakeholders. This commenced with a workshop with Civil Defence Officers and Assistant Civil Defence Officers in September 2018.

Following this, I announced a series of eight regional volunteer consultation meetings throughout the country in October and November. This was to allow Civil Defence volunteers have their say on the future of the organisation in which they so passionately serve and give freely of their time and expertise. My officials have also held meetings with the relevant subcommittee of the City and County Managers Association, the Health Service Executive, An Gardaí Síochána and the Fire Directorate of the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government.

A draft discussion document on Towards 2030 was circulated to all Civil Defence Officers, Assistant Civil Defence Officers and their line managers within Local Authorities in early April 2019 in advance of a series of regional meetings in April 2019.

Observations and comments from these regional meetings will feed into an updated draft of Towards 2030 that will be re-circulated to Civil Defence Officers, Assistant Civil Defence Officers and their line managers members this month. That draft will also be circulated to members of the Civil Defence Inter Agency Guidance Team in advance of the forthcoming meeting of this group. The Guidance Team was established on foot of the 2015 Government White Paper on Defence.

As the development of Towards 2030 progresses, my officials and I will continue to engage with Stakeholders. I have asked my officials to submit a final draft of Towards 2030 by Autumn 2019 for my consideration.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Ceisteanna (66)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

66. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to raising the age limits for eligibility to join the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19500/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

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. There are varying age profiles for recruitment depending on entry level. For General Service recruits to the Army, applicants must be 18 years of age or over and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applicants

General Service recruits for the Naval Service recruits must be 18 years of age or over and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applicants. The age requirements for Cadets are as follows:-

Applicants must be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on a date specified in the terms and conditions for the relevant cadet competition. For the 2019 Cadet Competition, the date specified is the 1st September 2019.

In contrast, the age for the most recent competition for direct entry Medical Officers was set at 50 years of age.

The age requirements for entry into the Defence Forces are laid down in the relevant Defence Forces Regulations (DFRs). These age limits will be kept under review.

Air Corps Operations

Ceisteanna (67)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

67. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason requested helicopters and backup had not arrived in a timely manner to combat the gorse fires in the Rosses, County Donegal; if emergency plans and protocols will be put in place to deal with similar future incidences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19550/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Deputy will be aware that the principal response agency designated to respond to fire emergencies is the Fire Service, under the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority.

The availability of the Air Corps to support principal response agencies is dependent upon a number of factors including the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions for flying.

On the day referred to by the Deputy, the Air Corps performed numerous tasks including delivery of the Emergency Aeromedical Service provided to the HSE operating out of Athlone and the Garda Air Support Unit operating out of Baldonnel. However, as is well known, Pilot and other Air Corps specialist shortages have reduced the Air Corps availability to perform certain non-routine tasks on an ‘as available’ basis. In exceptional circumstances, the Air Corps can recall personnel, though this can take a number of hours to effect.

This recall was activated when a request for support came in from the Chief Fire Officer in Donegal through the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government for assistance. The Air Corps moved immediately to assemble the necessary personnel. This required pilots and crew with the necessary training on the use of the specialised firefighting equipment (bambi bucket) as well as other specialist personnel. This took some time as some of the crew assembled from their time off, from a distance, but was achieved as quickly as possible in the circumstances with no unnecessary delay.

The policy lead in relation to fire-fighting rests with National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and any proposal relating to the establishment of a dedicated aerial fire-fighting service will need their consideration.

Civil Defence

Ceisteanna (68)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

68. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a solution will be found to allow the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, PHECC, to approve a licence for Civil Defence volunteers to continue providing the same level of medical care that they currently provide beyond 31 July 2019; if the Civil Defence is not approved by the PHECC, the measures he plans to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19635/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

In 2015, the Government published the White Paper on Defence which includes a chapter on Civil Defence. Civil Defence is a volunteer based organisation of approximately 3,500 volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise for their community and in support of the Principal Response Agencies.

The 2015 White Paper outlines that the Civil Defence Branch of my Department is responsible for the strategic management and development of Civil Defence at a national level. It provides grant aid, policy advice and training to support local Civil Defence units. The White Paper recognises the important role of Local Government in the management of Civil Defence. The Civil Defence Officer who is an employee of the Local Authority is responsible for the day-to-day management of Civil Defence in their Local Authority area.

I fully appreciate the excellent services provided by Civil Defence volunteers in both emergency situations, in support of the Principal Response Agencies, and in the community support role, throughout the country. A key role provided by Civil Defence is in the area of first aid and medical support.

In that context, my officials have been working to resolve the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council licensing issue. My officials have been and continue to engage with Local Authority management through the Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Planning sub committee of the City and County Managers Association and with senior management of the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.

I have asked my officials to continue to engage constructively to ensure there is no dilution in the level of care and first aid cover that Civil Defence volunteers provide beyond 30 July 2019.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Ceisteanna (69)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

69. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) is still awaiting clearance to be allowed entry into a career in the Permanent Defence Forces despite the fact that the person passed all entrance examinations and fitness tests in March 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19676/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

In order to be enlisted as a General Service Recruit, applicants are required to pass all the stages of the recruitment process which includes: Physical Fitness Test, Psychometric Test, Interview, Medical Examination and Security Clearance.

I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the individual's application process remains on-going and that they have informed him of the status of the process. As the Deputy will appreciate, particulars of a candidate's application process are confidential and therefore I am not in a position to provide further information.

Defence Forces Expenditure

Ceisteanna (70)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

70. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount and percentage of the capital budget for the Defence Forces that was spent in each of the years 2016 to 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19777/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Details of the capital budget and outturn for Vote 36 (Defence) for the years 2016 to 2018 are outlined below.

Year	Original Capital Allocation	Capital Expenditure	% of Original Capital Allocation Spent
2016	€68m	€100.7m	148.1%
2017	€74m	€95.3m	128.8%
2018	€77m	€94.7m	123.0%

Savings arising within a Vote, may, in accordance with Government accounting procedures and following consultation and approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, be used to address spending pressures elsewhere in the Vote or Vote Group.

In the years 2016 to 2018, additional capital expenditure above the original capital allocation was approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to address capital spending pressures in Vote 36.

Under the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040, the Defence Vote has been allocated €541m for the period 2018 to 2022. This level of capital funding allows the Defence Forces to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructure development and further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (71)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

71. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the application of the protected disclosures legislation to persons in the Defence Forces; the person or body to which they should make a protected disclosure if they wish to make a complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19999/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Protected Disclosures Act, 2014 applies to the Defence Forces. I am assured by the Chief of Staff that the military authorities are fully aware of the protections afforded to its members under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. In order to ensure compliance with this legislation the Defence Forces have implemented General Routine Order 07/2015. This document sets out the policy, procedures and protections afforded to serving personnel on making a protected disclosure. The document was signed and promulgated on the 21 August 2015.

To assist in ensuring a uniform approach to protected disclosures across the Defence organisation, I established a single Civil/Military Protected Disclosures Office in the Department in which all protected disclosures are initially assessed. This Office also keeps relevant guidance under review.

Naval Service Strength

Ceisteanna (72)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

72. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service by number of personnel and rank in each year since 2010, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20071/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The attached table shows the strength of Naval Service Personnel (Whole Time Equivalent), by rank, for each year from 2010 to 2018.

The Government remains committed to maximising recruitment to increase the strength of the Naval Service and the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) overall and to retaining the capacity of the PDF to operate effectively across all roles.

The Public Service Pay Commission are currently examining recruitment and retention issues in the Defence Forces and I look forward to reviewing their findings and recommendations in due course.

Naval Service Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Strengths 2010 to 2018
	LT Gen	MAJ Gen	BRIG Gen	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT
2010	-	-	1	2	10	36	51	59
2011	-	-	1	2	12	30	63	47
2012	-	-	1	2	11	39	57	49
2013	-	-	1	1	13	45	52	47
2014	-	-	1	2	13	43	61	34
2015	-	-	1	2	13	51	51	32
2016	-	-	1	2	13	51	49	34
2017	-	-	1	1	13	50	55	45
2018	-	-	1	2	14	51	44	51

Naval Service Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Strengths 2010 to 2018	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
2010	4	5	66	15	206	156	403	18	1,032
2011	4	4	53	11	183	180	389	15	994
2012	5	7	71	15	179	149	453	17	1,055
2013	6	7	69	15	170	174	408	15	1,023
2014	6	7	68	15	170	171	454	12	1,057
2015	6	7	76	15	187	139	488	15	1,083
2016	6	7	68	13	173	129	517	27	1,090
2017	6	7	74	15	170	148	444	24	1,053
2018	6	7	72	14	177	151	380	19	989

Naval Service Staff

Ceisteanna (73)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

73. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service personnel that left their employment early in each year since 2010; the number that made a payment to the Naval Service and-or his Department as a result of ending their contracts early; the amount paid each year by such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20072/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated but, unfortunately, could not be provided within the time frame for reply. The information sought will be provided as soon as possible.