Written Answers Nos. 35-49
35. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel employed within the Army bomb disposal unit and for each of the past ten years; if there are staff shortages in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45882/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor reasons of operational security, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the disposition and specifics of the Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal capabilities.
As I have previously outlined, there are a wide range of recruitment and retention initiatives underway for Permanent Defence Force personnel.
36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the numbers in the Defence Forces have fluctuated in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45991/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which membership of the Air Corps has fluctuated in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45992/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which membership of the Naval Service has fluctuated in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45993/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 to 38, inclusive, together.
The table below illustrates the extent to which the numbers in the Defence Forces have fluctuated in the past three years:
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total PDF Strength (WTE) |
Army Reserve |
Naval Reserve |
Total AR and NSR Strength (Effective) |
|
2017 |
7,386 |
734 |
1,053 |
9,173 |
1,732 |
124 |
1,856 |
|
2018 |
7,243 |
725 |
989 |
8,957 |
1,666 |
133 |
1,799 |
|
2019* |
6,983 |
720 |
951 |
8,654 |
1,548 |
148 |
1,696 |
*as at 30th September 2019, the latest date for which such data is available.
Recruitment and inductions will continue throughout 2019 to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be sufficient to meet eventualities in the event of a natural disaster or a terror offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45994/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
The allocation of over €1 billion for the Defence Sector for 2020, an increase of €32.3m on 2019, emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the resources necessary to deliver on all roles assigned, both at home and overseas.
In terms of personnel, the Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills and equipment. The full spectrum of personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. Between 2016 and 2018 over 2,000 personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force while, in February 2019, the largest ever cadet class in the history of the State was commissioned. Nevertheless, I recognise that reaching a strength level of 9,500 personnel is a key challenge but I am committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the means to continue to carry out all of the roles assigned by Government.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as a natural disaster rests with three designated principal response agencies, namely, An Garda Síochána, the relevant Local Authority and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles. Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing military training requirements continue to be met throughout the Air Corps; if there are exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45995/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing military training requirements continue to be met throughout the Naval Service; if there are exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45996/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing military training requirements continue to be met throughout the Army; if there are exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45997/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 to 42, inclusive, together.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons set out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
In certain circumstances and for a variety of possible reasons, specific training needs may arise that cannot be met in a timely fashion through the methods I have outlined previously. In such exceptional cases the Defence Forces explore and avail of all possible options to ensure that potential training deficits are addressed to ensure continued operational effectiveness.
I remain committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army Reserve continues to have access to updated training on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45998/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence sets out a blueprint for the development Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and that their primary role is to support the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations. As such, the RDF undertakes training in preparation to assist the PDF when required. Training across the Defence Forces is constantly measured against best military and academic practice. Training procedures are constantly reviewed in order to ensure that the men and women of the Defence Forces are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the ever changing security environment.
In the Army Reserve (AR), recruits undergo varied training in areas such as combat first aid, military law and tactical training. A major part of Recruit training is training in the use of the Steyr 5.56mm Assault Rifle. After recruit training is complete, personnel are then trained in the operation of basic radio communications, map reading, Nuclear, Biological & Chemical warfare defence and the Light Machine Gun. Each Corps also carries out specialist training in its particular field. For example, the Infantry and Cavalry Corps train in weapons and tactics and the Corps of Engineers train in engineering tasks, such as demolition, construction and mine warfare.
With regard to RDF training for the current year, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.15 million of which €2.068 million is allocated for Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. This allocation will provide seven days annual paid training for each effective member of the AR and Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the AR and NSR in 2019 along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve service and to maximise attendance of AR and NSR personnel, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours, at weekends and during academic and traditional holiday periods.
I am satisfied that members of the AR and NSR are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate personnel remain available to ensure that all Naval Service vessels can put to sea at short notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45999/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.
I am advised that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements. In that context, there is always a sub set of Naval Service vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.
The personnel challenges in the Naval Service are well known. The focus is on returning the Naval Service to its full capacity. Difficult decisions have to be made to regenerate the Naval Service.
A joint civil and military team has been established to review the issues facing the Naval Service and its overall viability and to plan ahead to ensure we maximise operational outputs. As we deal with these issues, the safety of serving personnel must be the number one priority.
I can assure the Deputy that the Naval Service will continue to carry out its various roles using available resources.
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which each branch of the Defence Forces can be activated and scrambled at short notice in the event of a natural or other emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46000/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for a natural disaster or terrorist incidents. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to both emergency and security issues. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.
With regard to security threats, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.
The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. In addition the Air Corps has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the type of assistance requested.
I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
46. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on a centre (details supplied) in New York; the payments it receives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45849/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Arts Centre New York has received funding under my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme as outlined below:
|
Year |
Amount in euros |
Purpose |
|
2017 |
1,128,000 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
|
2014 |
1,001,362 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
|
2009 |
2,316.020 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
The Irish Arts Centre New York has received funding from the Department of Arts Heritage and An Gaeltacht, Culture Ireland, the City of New York, the State of New York and from private donations. Any future request for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme will be assessed on its merits.
The Consulate General in New York stays in close contact with the Irish Arts Center about the construction of their new building. I understand that construction is expected to be completed in time for the opening of their 2020-2021 season.
Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, including the Chairman, visited the Center in December of last year to get briefed on the work of the Center and how the funding provided is being used.
47. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the State funding a centre (details supplied) has received since its foundation in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45852/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Arts Centre New York has received funding under my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme as outlined below:
|
Year |
Amount in euros |
Purpose |
|
2017 |
1,128,000 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
|
2014 |
1,001,362 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
|
2009 |
2,316.020 |
For the development of the Irish Arts Centre building. |
The Irish Arts Centre New York has received funding from the Department of Arts Heritage and An Gaeltacht, Culture Ireland, the City of New York, the State of New York and from private donations. Any future request for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme will be assessed on its merits.
The Consulate General in New York stays in close contact with the Irish Arts Center about the construction of their new building. I understand that they expect construction to be completed in time for the opening of their 2020-2021 season.
Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, including the Chairman, visited the Center in December of last year to get briefed on the work of the Center and how the funding provided is being used.
48. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the latest study carried out by persons (details supplied) with his officials on calculating that, in the event of a united Ireland being voted upon, subsidising Northern Ireland would reduce living standards here by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45860/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe approach of the Government in relation to Irish unity is of course guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998.
The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South.
My Department is aware of the recent academic and other research papers on this subject which have been published, including the study referenced by the Deputy. In the absence of the prospect of a referendum in the near future, the Government has no immediate plans for specific preparations on this issue and there has been no structured examination by officials from my Department of the potential costs of a United Ireland.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the Secretary of State shall exercise this power "if at any time it appears likely ... that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland."
While the decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Government does not believe it likely at present that such a border poll in the near future would result in a decision on the part of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland in favour of constitutional change. In these circumstances, it is the Government’s clear view that such a poll would only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.
The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether nationalist, unionist or neither. The Good Friday Agreement - and the two sovereign Governments - explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of both of these constitutional positions, which are deeply held.
The Government’s immediate priorities are to secure the functioning of the devolved power-sharing institutions and the North South Ministerial Council, which are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement, and to ensure the protection of the Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the Peace Process, in the context of the UK decision to exit the European Union under any scenario.
49. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance if the mortgage repayment arrangements in place for a borrower are carried over to the new mortgage company that buys a loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45800/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Central Bank of Ireland (the Central Bank) that when a consumer takes out a loan from a regulated lender (“the original lender”) it is subject to all the relevant Irish and EU consumer protections. Most loan agreements include a clause that allows the original lender to sell the loan on to another firm. When a loan is sold, the relevant Irish and EU consumer protections continue to apply.
Under the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Act 2018, which came into effect on 21 January 2019, if a loan is transferred, the holder of the legal title to the credit must now be authorised by the Central Bank as a credit servicing firm. Such credit servicing firms must act in accordance with Irish financial services law that applies to ‘regulated financial service providers’. This ensures that consumers, whose loans are sold to another firm, maintain the same regulatory protections that they had prior to the sale, including under the various statutory Codes of Conduct issued by the Central Bank, such as the Consumer Protection Code 2012 and the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears 2013 (CCMA).
The Central Bank wrote to industry in August 2019 to set out its expectations of all firms in respect of loan sales, including the transfer of alternative repayment arrangements (ARAs). In order to ensure a culture where consumers’ best interests are protected, where a cooperating borrower is complying with the terms of an ARA and the loan is subsequently sold to another regulated entity, the new regulated entity cannot unilaterally change the ARA agreed between the borrower and the original lender. The new regulated entity should continue to honour an ARA until review, expiry or by agreement, as appropriate. This includes honouring timelines and terms and conditions for reviews of the ARA. In circumstances where the borrower’s circumstances have changed, any change to the ARA must comply with the CCMA and be appropriate, sustainable and proportionate to any change(s) in the borrower’s circumstances.
I wrote to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and An Taoiseach on 25 September 2019 in relation to a number of issues raised during a meeting of that Committee. In my letter I stated that "where a co-operating borrower is complying with the terms of an ARA put in place, and the loan is subsequently sold to another regulated entity, the new regulated entity cannot unilaterally change the loan contract as agreed between the borrower and the original lender. In short, anything binding on the original lender is binding on the purchaser and it should continue to honour an ARA that’s in place until review and/or expiry. Any breach of contract would give rise to a liability to all the remedies available under contract law". I hope this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.
