Duncan Smith
Ceist:
347. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the elements of training, administration or duties that have been carried out remotely since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The information sought could not be collated within the timeframe for the Deputy.
I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available to me by the Military Authorities.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question for answer on 3 February 2021, “To ask the Minister for Defence the elements of training, administration or duties that have been carried out remotely since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
While it was not possible to provide the requested information to you within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to provide information on this matter.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defence Forces, in line with other civil and public service organisations, have adhered to public health advice and to the Guidance for Public Service Employers published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In accordance with the Government Direction on essential services, Defence Forces operations are continuing, at home and overseas, albeit under revised conditions which are designed to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its personnel.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that where appropriate, the Defence Forces facilitate the periodic remote working for some personnel. However, given the fundamental nature of military service, the organisation has a very limited capacity in this regard, as many Defence Forces appointments and tasks are not suitable to this practice. Remote working is utilised for specific appointments for which it is suited and having regard to the requirement to develop and maintain an appropriate level of military capability. Where appropriate, the Defence Forces will facilitate some administrative duties via remote working or relocation of personnel through the network of military installations throughout the country however this is not always operationally possible or appropriate given the nature of military service.
I am further advised by the Military Authorities that Defence Forces training and education courses continue to be conducted as deemed necessary with force protection measures in place. A number of education programmes have been conducted remotely (either partially or in total) as a result of the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Where face-to-face or collective training in a tactical environment remains fundamental to the objectives and desired outcomes of a military training programme, the Defence Forces continues to exercise all necessary precautions, diligence and duty of care required for the conduct of same.
With regard to the recent publication of the "Making Remote Work: National Remote Work Strategy" by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the commitments made in the Programme for Government relating to remote working across the public sector, I can confirm that the Defence Organisation is examining these policies and commitments in the context of the unique nature of military service and the requirement to deliver effective military capability when and where required.
I trust this is of assistance to the Deputy.
