Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 573-598

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (573, 575)

John Brady

Ceist:

573. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the planned budget for the Irish Red Cross for 2021. [20161/20]

John Brady

Ceist:

575. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the planned budget for the Irish Red Cross for 2021. [20213/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Colm Brophy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 575 together.

The Irish Red Cross Society was established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 pursuant to the Red Cross Act, 1938 and is an independent charitable body corporate with full power to manage and administer its own affairs.

Funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Irish Red Cross ceased in 2018 and there are currently no plans to resume funding in 2021.

It is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s understanding that the Irish Red Cross receives funding from a number of other Departments and bodies in respect of various programmes provided or administered, most notably from the Department of Defence which makes an annual grant payment to the Irish Red Cross towards the running cost of its Headquarters. In 2020 this grant amounts to €965,000.

The planning and determination of the budget for 2021 is a matter for decision by Board of the Irish Red Cross. It is not possible at this time to state what the budget will be in 2021 as estimates discussions are ongoing.

Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 572.

Question No. 575 answered with Question No. 573.

Ministerial Transport

Ceisteanna (576)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

576. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he requested the use of a State car and drivers; if so, when; and the format in which the request was made. [20368/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I was reappointed on 27 June as Minister for Foreign Affairs and also appointed as Minister for Defence.

My security arrangements are handled by An Garda Síochána. I understand it is the decision of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that it is appropriate for the current driving arrangements to remain in place. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on my security arrangements which are kept under ongoing review by An Garda Síochána.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (577)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

577. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the communications that he has received from the ambassadors of other member states of the European Union concerning travel advice for Irish citizens and the proposed inclusion or exclusion of countries from the Covid-19 Green List published by his Department. [20381/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 21 July, the Government agreed a list of 15 locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to "take normal precautions", which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

The 15 locations are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.

Persons arriving into Ireland from those locations will not have to restrict their movements on arrival. However, they will still be obliged to complete a mandatory Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to submit it to the relevant authority at their port of entry. 

In advance of the list being published, I received a letter from Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs for Luxembourg, outlining their large-scale testing strategy and epidemiological situation. In addition, a number of Embassies in Dublin, representing EU Member States, contacted officials in my Department about the list. They were informed about the criteria used to compile the list. Inclusion on the list is solely based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. The Embassies in question were those of Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the Government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.

International Agreements

Ceisteanna (578)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

578. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the reported decision of Poland to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women; and if he will raise the matter with his Polish counterpart. [20382/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of reports that the Deputy has mentioned. It is my understanding that Poland’s Minister of Justice has filed a formal request to the Polish Family Ministry to launch the procedure to facilitate Poland’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. Should this become the official policy of the Polish Government, we would be concerned.

Ireland has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. The Convention is a significant international legal instrument which requires criminalising or legally sanctioning different forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment and psychological violence.

Domestic and sexual violence can have devastating consequences for victims as well as society as a whole. When we ratified the Convention, it sent an important message that Ireland does not tolerate such violence.

To date, all EU Member States have signed the treaty, and 21 EU Member States, including Poland, have ratified it. Poland is an EU Member State with which we share many values and interests, and its withdrawal from the Convention would be regrettable.

Once we have a clearer understanding of the Polish Government’s position on this, we will seek to discuss the issue with Polish counterparts in the appropriate fora at Ministerial and official level.

Consular Services

Ceisteanna (579)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the case of a person (details supplied); if he has discussed the matter with the Chinese Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20470/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm to the Deputy that we are providing consular assistance to this citizen, through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, and through our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai. 

Our focus has been on supporting the citizen’s consular needs, particularly his health and welfare, while he and his legal team seek to resolve any outstanding legal matters with the local authorities. Our Consul General in Shanghai has been meeting regularly with the citizen since last year, when we were first informed of the case, and is providing all possible support and advice. 

I can further advise that the case has been raised several times at diplomatic level with the relevant authorities, including with the Embassy of China to Ireland. This engagement has highlighted the humanitarian aspects of the case, and the importance of the citizen returning home as soon as possible. 

The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of any individual consular case, nor to comment on matters pertaining to a legal process in another jurisdiction. However I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland. 

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (580)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

580. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a schedule of advisers, special advisers and seconded civil servants currently working in his Department appointed and or recruited and or in an acting capacity; the roles and responsibilities attributed to each; and the salary scale for the role in tabular form. [20620/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act (PMSA) 1997.

The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil, which incorporate the principles of section 11 of the PMSA Act, are currently awaiting Government approval. 

The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines and appointments are subject to formal Government approval.  At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government. 

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers. These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

A significant number of civil servants from other Government Departments are seconded into my Department and are based at HQ and Missions abroad. The roles and responsibilities of secondees are set in line with the business needs of the HQ Division/Unit or overseas Mission to which they are assigned in order to achieve the Department's goals under the Statement of Strategy. The salary scale for the role is based on the salary scale for each grade set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  The locations and grades are set out in the table below.

Division	Grade	Number
Corporate Services	Senior Architect	2
	HEO	1
DCAD	AP	1
	AO	1
Global Irish Services	AP	1
Office of MoS Brophy	HEO	1
Strategy & Performance Unit	AO	1
Office of Minister Coveney	HEO	1
Abu Dhabi	AP	1
	HEO	1
	EO	3
Abuja	HEO	1
	EO	3
Ankara	HEO	1
	EO	1
	CO	1
Armagh NS	AP	2
	HEO	1
Beijing	AP	2
	HEO	1
	EO	2
	CO	2
Belfast	AP	1
	CO	1
Berlin	PO	1
	AP	2
Brussels PFP	Counsellor	1
	AP	1
	HEO	1
Brussels Perm Rep	Counsellor	2
	PO	8
	AP	28
	HEO	5
	EO	3
	CO	2
	GLO	1
Geneva	PO	1
	AP	2
	HEO	1
	CO	1
London	PO	2
	AP	3
	HEO	2
	EO	1
	CO	3
	GLO	1
Madrid	GLO	1
Mexico	AP	1
Moscow	HEO	1
	EO	2
New Delhi	HEO	1
	EO	2
	CO	2
New York PMUN	Counsellor	1
Paris	AP	1
	GLO	1
Paris OECD	AP	2
Rome	AP	1
The Hague	GLO	1
Tokyo	AP	1
Vienna OSCE	Counsellor	1
Washington	PO	1
	AP	2

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (581)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

581. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20777/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs has made no payments for services or goods to a company (details supplied) since 2015. 

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Ceisteanna (582)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

582. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if progress has been made in relation to immigration reform in the United States of America with particular reference to the status of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20967/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The issue of Irish immigration to the United States, and in particular the status of the  undocumented Irish, has been a high priority for successive Governments and it will continue to be prioritised by the new Government. Immigration issues have been continuously raised in interactions with the US Administration and political leaders, including by the then Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March, and more recently by the Taoiseach in high level calls to members of the US Administration. I have also raised issues of immigration in my recent contact with Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney and with the US Ambassador.

In terms of securing future pathways for immigration, the E3 Visa Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year, is currently before the Senate. If passed, this could open up approximately 4,000 US visas per year to Irish graduates. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Congress has many additional issues on its agenda; however we hope that when the circumstances allow, the Bill will also be passed in the Senate.

In the US, our officials also continue to engage and advocate on behalf of the undocumented. Our Embassy in Washington, D.C. and our seven Consulates General across the US are monitoring the situation closely and are continuing to actively support Irish community groups that work with undocumented Irish citizens. They engage with US officials on immigration issues on an ongoing basis, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our Mission network also works closely with the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, which, together with its member organisations, provides support and information to vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. This regular engagement has continued virtually in recent months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Coalition and its member organisations receive significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for their work. In 2019 alone, over €3 million ($3.7 million) was allocated to 76 organisations across the US, including those that provide front line welfare assistance to Irish citizens. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated Covid-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad has been set up within my Department to help these organisations meet the needs of those who have recently been made particularly vulnerable. In the past two months, both I and the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy have met virtually with several organisations in the United States which, with the assistance of this Fund, are providing much needed emergency support to Irish communities.

While comprehensive immigration reform is a complex and sensitive political issue in the US at  present, our Embassy in Washington D.C. and our Consulates General across the United States will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to engage with any Federal and State initiatives on this issue.

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (583)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

583. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by same; if so, if he will provide the details of the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising and outdoor advertising; the cost of consultancy or production costs in each of the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engages in public awareness advertising campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of the public.  In that regard, two significant campaigns took place in 2019 and will be ongoing in 2020; the new “Passport Online” campaign and the “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” campaign. 

In the case of the former, the objective is to build continual awareness of the Online Passport Service for Irish citizens, which is now expanding to include children and first time adult applications.  This campaign has a multi-faceted approach, including promotion on social media platforms, national and regional print and broadcast media, and outdoor advertising.  Expenditure to date in 2019 and 2020 on this campaign is €633,723.

Expenditure on the “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” Public Information campaign was approximately €1.5 million in 2019.  While the costs of the 2019 campaign were borne by my Department, this is a whole of Government campaign prepared and executed in partnership with other Government Departments and Agencies, in particular, the Department of the Taoiseach. As we move toward the closing phase of the transition period following the UK’s departure from the EU the need for this work continues. The Government will shortly approve a new Brexit Communications campaign which will focus on “Brexit Readiness”. This will align closely with the communications elements of Government’s strategy for recovery after Covid-19. Campaign details and projected expenditure in this area will be made available once those plans have been finalised.

Ministerial Communications

Ceisteanna (584)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

584. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence if he, his Ministers of State and or advisers have ever used private email for any form of official Government use since the formation of the Government; and if so, if he will publish all such emails and corresponding documents immediately. [19634/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

No private email has been used by the Minister for Defence or his advisers for any form of official Government use since the formation of the Government.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (585)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

585. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the meetings he and his Ministers of State have had since the formation of the Government by date in tabular form (details supplied). [19651/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I can confirm that I have attended individual external meetings with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on Friday, 17 July.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (586)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

586. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of his advisers and those of the Ministers of State; the remuneration packages of same, and the date of commencement in their role. [19668/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Since being appointed as Minister for Defence I have not appointed any advisers or special advisers in that role.  Also, no Minister of State has been appointed to the Department of Defence. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (587)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

587. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the role played by the Defence Forces in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19690/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its ATCA role.  In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments.  The Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment which is suitable for use in emergency situations and these are made available, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government Covid-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.

The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support.  The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the Covid-19 crisis include:

- operation of the Covid-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;

- support for contact tracing efforts;

- transportation by the Air Corps of Covid-19 tests to Germany;

- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;

- support for HSE testing efforts through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;

- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;

- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;

- transportation of patients for testing;

- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);

- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and

- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a Covid-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.

In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of support to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support was also coordinated by the Joint Task Force and examples include:

- Support has been provided to the National Ambulance Service through Defence Forces ambulance and crew supports along with tele-triage supports.

- Support to the Office of Government Procurement through assistance with storage and distribution of PPE.

- Support to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the use of lands at Sarsfields Barracks for the location of one of the National Temporary Body Storage Facilities. The Defence Forces were also on standby to provide support if required at the Dublin based National Temporary Body Storage Facility at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (588)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

588. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the names and salaries of his special advisers; the salaries paid to each Minister and Minister of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19718/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Since being appointed as Minister for Defence I have not appointed any advisers or special advisers in that role.  As the Deputy will be aware I have been appointed as both Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence. My ministerial salary is paid by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and encompasses both roles. As such no direct salary is payable to me by the Department of Defence. No Minister of State has been appointed to the Department of Defence. 

Defence Forces Reports

Ceisteanna (589, 618)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

589. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the person or body that is responsible for drafting the terms of reference for the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; if the Commission will include a review the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 and the Defence Act 1954 to determine the respective Acts meaningfulness in the 21st century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19731/20]

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

618. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the person or body that will be responsible for the consultation process on the independent commission on the Defence Forces as promised in the Program for Government which will form the terms of reference for the commission; if it will it be him; and if not, if it will be completed through a non-Governmental organisation. [20922/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 618 together.

The recently agreed Programme for Government provides for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. In due course, I plan to bring proposals to Government regarding the establishment of the Commission and its membership.

In this regard, the Programme for Government provides for the establishment of the Commission before the end of this year, with a mandate to report within twelve months. Furthermore, it provides that a consultation process will be undertaken prior to the finalisation of the Commission's terms of reference. No decisions have been taken to date in relation to these matters.

Defence Forces Data

Ceisteanna (590)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

590. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of civilian plumbers, carpenters, painters and so on working in each Defence Forces barracks as of 22 July 2020, in tabular form. [19934/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The Department of Defence employs 446 civilian staff at various military installations to support the upkeep and maintenance of military infrastructure and equipment. The grades employed are engaged across a wide spectrum of services and include craftworkers, general operatives, administrators, healthcare professionals and other specialist grades.

Currently there are 132 craftworkers (e.g. Plumbers, Carpenters, Painters etc.) employed in a number of locations, as outlined in the attached document for the Deputy's information.

Trade breakdown by Barracks

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (591)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

591. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for the Naval Service will commence in quarter 4 of 2020. [19935/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits was severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation but those aspects of the induction process that could be conducted remotely continued throughout the year and inductions/training have been resumed taking public health guidelines into account. 

 In that context General Service and Direct Entry Specialist recruitment for the naval service continue to be ongoing throughout the year.  Additionally applications for the 2020 Cadetship competition are currently being processed.

Defence Forces Personnel

Ceisteanna (592, 593)

John Brady

Ceist:

592. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20095/20]

John Brady

Ceist:

593. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that have left the force in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20096/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 593 together.

The whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), as at 30th June 2020, is 8,423 personnel.

The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of the PDF at 9,500 personnel.  However, the capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits was severely impacted by the Covid-19 situation but those aspects of the induction process that could be conducted remotely continued throughout the year and inductions/training have been resumed taking public health guidelines into account. 

The number of personnel, including retirees and personnel who did not complete their initial training, who have departed from the PDF each year over the past 5 years is as follows:

Year	Departures
2015	571
2016	679
2017	742
2018	731
2019	878

In 2020, as of 30 June, 295 personnel have departed from the PDF

The report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) of 2019 contains a range of recommendations aimed at improving work-force planning, recruitment and conditions of service for members of the Defence Forces. A High Level Plan to give effect to the recommendations of the PSPC is being implemented.

It should be noted that as the High Level Implementation Plan contains short, medium and long term measures, the full impact of these measures will take time to determine. There are also a range of external variables which impact on recruitment and retention and which can change and these will be carefully monitored to assess their effect as they arise.

The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments aimed at stabilising and restoring the strength of the Defence Forces. An independent Commission will be established to undertake a comprehensive review of the defence requirements of the State. This review will include, inter alia, consideration of pay, allowances, recruitment retention and career progression of members of the Defence Forces. It is also intended that on completion of this review, a permanent pay review body for the Defence Forces will be established.   

Defence Forces Personnel

Ceisteanna (594)

John Brady

Ceist:

594. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of former members of the Defence Forces that have rejoined in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20097/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

On 1 April last,  former Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, TD., launched the scheme to re-enlist former Permanent Defence Force enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified vacancies that currently exist. This includes technicians, fitters, chefs, communications and IT specialists and naval staff. The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years. The duration of the re-enlistment offered will be dependent on the vacancies that exist.

On foot of a recommendation from the Chief of Staff, I have recently approved the re-enlistment of 17 candidates. I'm told that further recommendations from the Chief of Staff, having regard to identified skills gaps in the Permanent Defence Force, are imminent. 

The Military Authorities have also advised that those candidates approved by me for re-enlistment, are in the process of being informed of this decision, along with any re-induction training and re-validation requirements,  before proceeding to attestation and re-enlistment. 

Separately, a scheme which facilitates the re-entry of former officers to the Permanent Defence Force introduced last October,  has seen 3 former pilots return to serve in the Air Corps this year. There is also scope to re-commission officers in other specialist streams across the Defence Forces and I understand a number of expressions of interest in the scheme have been received recently.

Defence Forces Properties

Ceisteanna (595)

John Brady

Ceist:

595. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place for the upgrade of buildings and facilities in the Curragh Barracks; and the budget allocated for same. [20156/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

In order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government, I am committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military installations throughout the country.

This is being achieved through the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme which was published in January 2020. The Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces. It is envisaged that over the 5 year lifespan of the Plan some €145m will be spent on its implementation.

The Plan provides for the development of the following projects in the DFTC:

- upgrading Block 7 accommodation facility in Connolly Barracks;

- provision of a new Electric Target Range;

- provision of a new Cadet school;

- provision of a new CIS workshop; 

- provision of a new ARW Headquarters; and the

- development of a new auditorium suite at the Military College.

The Plan also recognises that the development of a new International Peace Studies Institute and a new student accommodation facility are of strategic importance to the development of the Defence Forces.  The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will be progressed further as the Plan is implemented.

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (596, 597, 598)

John Brady

Ceist:

596. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the planned capital spend on the Naval Service for the next five years;and the breakdown of same. [20157/20]

John Brady

Ceist:

597. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the planned capital spend on the Army for the next five years; and the breakdown of same. [20158/20]

John Brady

Ceist:

598. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the planned capital spend on the Air Corps for the next five years; and the breakdown of same. [20159/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 to 598, inclusive, together.

Vote 36 Defence is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Capital expenditure costs for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are not identified separately, but are included in the overall programme costs in the appropriate subheads of the Vote.

Under the National Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the Defence Vote was allocated €541 million in capital funding for the period 2018 to 2022. To date in 2020, there has been capital expenditure of some €54 million on the Defence Vote, with indicative capital expenditure allocations of €120 million and €125 million provided for 2021 and 2022 respectively. There are not as yet any indicative budgetary allocations provided for the public capital programme in the period beyond 2022.

This level of capital funding will ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible and will allow the Defence Forces to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.

The recently published Equipment Development Plan (EDP), which aligns with Defence White Paper objectives, provides a comprehensive list of planned Army, Air Corps and Naval Service equipment projects to be advanced over the next five years.

A number of major capital expenditure equipment projects are currently being progressed, such as:

- CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme;

- Air Corps Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft Project;

- Armoured Personnel Carrier Fleet Mid-Life Upgrade;

- Mid-Life Refit of Naval Service Vessels;

- Upgrade of Defence Forces Military Transport Fleet;

- Virtual Desktop Architecture IT Project;

The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025, provides a blueprint for investment in Defence Forces Built Infrastructure throughout the Defence Forces over a similar five year timeframe. This level of investment will continue to increase as the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme is implemented. It is projected that some €75 million will be spent over the next three years and that, over the five-year life span of the Programme, some €145 million will be invested to ensure that infrastructure is modernised in line with existing and future requirements.

This programme implements the policy approach contained in the White Paper on Defence to enhance Defence physical infrastructure and accommodation as an important component of overall defence capability.