Written Answers Nos. 104-123
104. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of settlements made in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, with current or former members of the Defence Forces which included a non-disclosure agreement stipulation. [46798/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of claims against the Minister for Defence in relation to personal injuries alleged to have occurred within Ireland has been delegated to the State Claims Agency (SCA) since 2001. The management of claims in respect of personal injuries alleged to have occurred overseas, claims of post-traumatic stress disorder, bullying and other harassment cases have been delegated to the SCA since 2011.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has advised that confidentiality agreements may be requested by the SCA or the Plaintiff. The State Claims Agency (SCA) does not routinely request confidentiality agreements in relation to claims’ settlements but does so very occasionally when it deems it necessary and appropriate. Where it is requested by the Plaintiff, it is the SCA's practice to agree to enter into a confidentiality agreement.
The SCA has advised that the use of mediation to resolve claims has increased in recent years. The mediation process is entirely confidential between the parties. It is almost invariably the case in mediations that the mediator will ask the parties to sign an agreement attesting to the confidential nature of the mediation and it’s outcome.
The SCA further advises that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) does not capture/record data on confidentiality agreements and so it is not possible to provide statistics on confidentiality agreements related to Department of Defence/Defence Forces claims.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to discuss specific settlements or to comment on the nature of such settlements.
105. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47129/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.
The current strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 August 2021, is 1,514. The strength of the First Line Reserve at that date is 262 personnel and as of the same date, the Naval Service Reserve has a strength of 125.
While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
The Military Authorities have further advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework, I understand, affords more scope for RDF Training within the parameters of Government guidelines, and is facilitating the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
107. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence when the vacant position of third-party adjudicator for the Permanent Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47117/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER) is responsible for managing the process for the appointment by Government of an Adjudicator for all such schemes operating across the public service including in respect of the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Forces.
As the Deputy will be aware the term of the previous Adjudicator ended on 30 June 2021. I am informed that consultation is underway by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the appointment of a new Adjudicator and that officials from that Department are actively working to progress the appointment of an Adjudicator for all of the C&A Schemes concerned.
This work includes the Civil Service and Teachers in addition to the Permanent Defence Forces, and for which a single appointment to all these C&A schemes is now required. As part of this appointment process the Defence Force Representative Associations, along with all other relevant stakeholders, will be consulted as the process to appoint a new adjudicator progresses.
It goes without saying that the appointment of a new Adjudicator is required to be progressed as soon as possible and in that regard my Officials have been in regular contact with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, including at the highest levels, in seeking to expedite this important matter.
My Department will continue to actively liaise with that Department on the matter of the appointment and my Department and I remain fully committed to seeking to ensure the ongoing effective and efficient functioning of the C&A Scheme for the Permanent Defence Forces, which has served all parties to the scheme well throughout the years.
It is also the case that the Arbitration Board for the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force remains in situ to hear disputes that might become the subject of formal disagreement and that normal engagement through Council and regular correspondence also continues to fully function in order to address matters appropriate to the Scheme.
109. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the Strengthening our Defence Forces - high-level implementation plan. [47148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the Public Pay Commission's report on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47145/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 133 together.
The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government at that time and an extensive High Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces – Phase One” was also agreed and published on the same date.
A total of 15 projects were undertaken. At this point in time, most of these projects have been completed.
4 of them, relating to immediate pay have provided immediate benefits to PDF members totalling some €10m, as well as initiatives that will lead to further improvements. Also completed are projects on enhanced professional military education; bespoke leadership training, development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy, non-pay retention measures, consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas and a review of technical pay groups.
For the project Review of Technical Pay Groups 2 – 6, sanction has been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to proceed with the recommendations in the report. This is now being progressed through the Department’s Conciliation and Arbitration Process.
The Review of Pay Structures project was intended to examine pay structures in the Defence Forces and to fall under the new public service pay agreement “Building on Momentum”. However, in the intervening period, the Commission on the Defence Forces was tasked with examining pay structures.
The recommendations of a further project dealing with incentivised long service arrangements for NCOs and other ranks, will also be considered in the context of the sectoral bargaining element of “Building on Momentum”.
The project examining Barriers to Extended Participation in the PDF was split into two phases. Phase 1 focussed on reviewing mandatory retirement ages for Officers and is nearing completion pending clarification from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a matter relating to pension rules. Phase 2 is examining the contracts of service for enlisted personnel and has recently been submitted to me. There will be consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prior to discussions with PDFORRA on the recommendations arising from the Report.
A review of recruitment in the PDF has been completed and the final report has also recently been submitted to me for approval. The Workforce Planning Project is being progressed through the joint civil/military Strategic Human Resources Group.
Additionally, the recommendations of the ongoing independent Commission of the Defence Forces, relating to recruitment and retention, will be considered and implemented as appropriate.
110. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Defence Forces' process of implementing recommendations on anti-discrimination law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47130/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations following the successful case brought by a person (details supplied). [46797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 139 together.
The Deputy will be aware that WRC rulings are in the public domain and will be also aware that the Adjudicator in his December 2020 ruling on two complaints brought by an individual, upheld one complaint on the grounds of gender discrimination in relation to promotion, owing to the treatment of absences in terms of access to promotion contrary to S.8 (1) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. The Adjudicator found that the Minister did not discriminate against the Complainant, and did not victimise her, within the meaning of S.2, S. 6(1) and S. 74 (2) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 as alleged in the individual's second complaint.
The directions of the ruling are currently being implemented by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with, the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed. A Defence Forces Working Group is established comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations. The Working Group has had 12 plenary meetings to date in addition to meetings of sub-groups. Progress is continuing in line with the timelines set out in the ruling which will be fully complied with.
111. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Defence if Irish military intelligence has analysed the events of Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972; if the alleged role of a person (details supplied) in respect of these events as outlined in recent newspaper articles and in a new book to be published has been considered; if his attention has been drawn to claims that Bloody Sunday was in fact a pro-active counter insurgency operation instigated by the British military forces: if information in relation to this person is held by Irish military intelligence; if this information can be declassified in the interest of history; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMilitary intelligence plays a key role in maintaining an awareness of threats to the State and to forces deployed at home and overseas. The Directorate of Intelligence is a constituent part of Defence Forces Headquarters and delivers threat assessments to the Minister for Defence, the Department of Defence as well as, through the Chief of Staff, to the National Security Committee. Liaison is also maintained between the Directorate and An Garda Síochána.
All data and records retained by Military intelligence are retained for the purpose of safeguarding the security of the State and as such any response in relation to this particular matter would be inappropriate at this time.
113. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Defence the status of the investigation into the incident in which a helicopter door fell off and landed in a school in Clondalkin, County Dublin in May 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing this incident in May 2020, a formal investigation was conducted by the Air Corps Flight Safety Officer in accordance with the Air Regulations Manual. This investigation was to examine the technical and operational aspects of the incident and will make appropriate recommendations.
The report resulting from this investigation was completed earlier this year which included a number of recommendations. I will arrange for a copy of the report to be shared with the Deputy over the coming days.
114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the progress of refurbishment works at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, County Louth and Gormanston Camp, County Meath in line with the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46838/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. This year’s budget allocation of €37m made available to the Defence Forces represents a significant increase over previous years and is the highest level allocated since the economic crash in 2008/09.
The following capital projects are included in the Infrastructure Development Plan for progression in respect of the locations referenced by the Deputy:
Dundalk Aikens Barracks
- Central Heating Boiler Decentralisation - A Main Contractor is expected to be appointed shortly.
- Dining Hall Upgrade – the design process is scheduled to commence in 2022 with the appointment of a consultant design team with construction scheduled for commencement in 2024.
-Transport Workshops Upgrade - identified for commencement in the coming years.
Gormanston Camp
- Upgrade to NDA Range - Contractor is currently on site with works expected to be completed shortly.
- Dining Hall Upgrade - the design process is scheduled to commence in 2022 with the appointment of a consultant design team with construction scheduled for commencement in 2025.
115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the future plans for Custume Barracks, Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45794/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a rolling five year timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces.
The commitment to the ongoing operation of Custume Barracks, Athlone, has been reaffirmed with the recent completion of the new Dining Hall complex. It was recognised that there was a need to refurbish and upgrade the Dining Hall for the purpose of providing a modern kitchen and dining facility to accommodate all ranks stationed at the Barracks. The main works contract, valued at €4.1m, was awarded in October 2018 and work was completed in 2020. The facility is now fully operational and the upgrade and refurbishment ensures the long-term viability of the complex at the Barracks.
The Built Infrastructure Plan recognises the need for the development of a permanent EAS hangar and associated helicopter facilities at Custume Barracks. The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will be progressed further as the Plan is implemented.
Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. There are no plans to change this.
116. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence if he has apologised to a person (details supplied) for the failure to address their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47132/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that WRC rulings are in the public domain and will be also aware that the Adjudicator in his December 2020 ruling on two complaints brought by the individual, upheld one complaint on the grounds of gender discrimination in relation to promotion, owing to the treatment of absences in terms of access to promotion contrary to S.8 (1) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. The Adjudicator found that the Minister did not discriminate against the Complainant, and did not victimise her, within the meaning of S.2, S. 6(1) and S. 74 (2) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 as alleged in the individual's second complaint.
The directions of the ruling are currently being implemented by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with, the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed. A Defence Forces Working Group is established comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations. The Working Group has had 12 plenary meetings to date in addition to meetings of sub-groups. Progress is continuing in line with the timelines set out in the ruling which will be fully complied with.
The complainant has ongoing active litigation in a number of fora, and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further.
117. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the 4th Independent Monitoring Group for the Defence Forces which should have been initiated in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47118/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces, ‘The Challenge of the Workplace’.
Whilst progress has been made in the interim years in terms of measures and systems now in place in the Defence Forces to address any allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace including discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying, it is recognised that further work needs to be done.
Extensive discussions between the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff have been taking place over several months on next steps for the IMG process and what that would encompass. It was considered that a “back to basics” Independent Review is required at this stage. On that basis the IMG is to be set aside.
I wish to emphasise that the Independent Review will be undertaken by external and independent experts and will examine the effectiveness of current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination.
The terms of the Independent Review currently remain under consideration and are being informed by stakeholder engagement.
118. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Service will be acquiring any more vessels for the purposes of maritime security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47128/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles including fishery protection, contraband interdiction duties, search and rescue, and enforcing Irish and EU legislation. The Irish economic zone currently extends to 132,000 square miles. This area is approximately five times the size of Ireland, and amounts to approximately 16% of all EU waters.
The Naval Service has a nine-ship fleet with two of those ships, LÉ Eithne and LÉ Orla, currently in operational reserve. The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service, including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class of vessels, with LÉ Róisín having recently returned to operations following this work and works commencing on LÉ Niamh.
The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. This work is now underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
Projects for other vessel replacements are being considered over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence in the context of overall capability development and funding along with the overall Equipment Development Plan process.
119. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits that have enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces in 2021; the net increase in the numbers in the Permanent Defence Forces resulting from this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47149/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46864/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the status of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46849/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the present establishment strength of the Naval Service, the Army and the Air Corps, respectively; the actual strength of each broken down between men and women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 136, 138 and 140 together.
As at 31st August 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,550 personnel, or 90% of the 9,500 establishment strength. The requested breakdown is set out in the following table.
|
Branch |
Establishment |
Current Strength |
||
|
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Army |
7,520 |
6,435 |
492 |
6,927 |
|
Air Corps |
886 |
684 |
39 |
723 |
|
Naval Service |
1,094 |
828 |
72 |
900 |
Recruitment remains ongoing and has resulted in 354 inductions, including 320 General Service recruits, as of 31st August 2021. As of the same date, 97 recruits discharged from the Defence Forces leaving a net increase of 257 recruits.
The average turnover rate for General Service recruits who do not complete training has been around 30% over the last number of years. Recruits fail to complete their training for a variety of reasons. The realities of military life and the training requirements are not always suitable for some recruits or in line with their expectations of the role. In any position where there is a training period prior to appointment there will always be fall off at different stages of the process.
An additional 52 inductions (including 13 General Service recruits) have taken place in September to date but the corresponding discharge figures are not yet available. Further inductions are planned, to include Cadets, Direct Entry and continued General Service inductions, with 95 recruits due to commence training on 4th October.
I have acknowledged the on-going staffing challenges in the Defence Forces and these have been well-documented. Initiatives to counter those challenges and play a role in restoring and retaining capacity include the 15 projects, most of which are now complete, which were undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the PSPC Report on Recruitment and Retention. These included projects focused on a broad range of non-pay measures and also included 4 projects relating to immediate pay which have provided immediate benefits to PDF members totalling some €10m, as well as initiatives that will lead to further improvements.
Additionally, the independent Commission on the Defence Forces is examining a range of recruitment and retention matters and I look forward to receiving their recommendations, which will be considered and implemented as appropriate.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, I remain committed to maximising recruitment of both men and women to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.
120. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place to mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Jadotville. [47080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the recommendations contained in the report of the Independent Review Group on Jadotville which was published last July related to the 60th anniversary of the Battle at Jadotville, where the IRG recommended that the 60th Anniversary be commemorated with a focus on veterans and veterans’ families, placing them at the centre of the ceremony, which should be an all inclusive military ceremony encompassing Jadotville, Elisabethville and Kamina.
I have accepted this recommendation made by the Independent Review Group and it is my intention to hold an appropriate commemorative event to mark this significant anniversary of the Battle at Jadotville. While planning for such an event is underway, a date for this event has not yet been confirmed. My officials and the Defence Forces are currently looking at options including an appropriate way to honour the support provided by families to veterans of Jadotville.
The Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, paid tribute to the extraordinary courage, skill, commitment and sacrifice of the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion when attending the peacekeeping memorial event at UNHQ New York earlier this month.
You may also wish to be aware that Military Archives has an online exhibition marking the 60th Anniversary of the battle at Jadotville on its website, www.militaryarchives.ie.
121. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence his views on reports in relation to the number of persons leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47151/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersonnel leave the Permanent Defence Force for a number of reasons including on age grounds, at the end of contract and voluntary discharges. More than 50% of those who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive where a full-time position, even at the same rates as those in the Defence Forces, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings.
In that context, I have fully acknowledged the retention issues affecting both officers and enlisted personnel. A range of actions have been taken to address these issues which includes the 15 projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the PSPC Report on Recruitment and Retention. Most of these projects have been completed with others being considered in the context of wider public sector pay arrangements. These include:
- 4 projects relating to immediate pay have provided immediate benefits to PDF members totalling some €10m, as well as initiatives that will lead to further improvements.
- Also completed are projects on non-pay retention measures, enhanced professional military education; bespoke leadership training, development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy, the consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas and a review of technical pay groups.
- A project to examine workforce planning in the Defence Forces has been progressed through a joint civil/military Strategic Human Resources Group and will inform recruitment and retention policy.
Other measures undertaken, aimed at retaining capacity, include:
- The Service Commitment Scheme for pilots, introduced in 2019, which has had a stabilising effect on Air Corps pilot numbers, with 25 officers currently participating. A further iteration of the Scheme is scheduled in Q4 2021.
- A Naval Service Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme, aimed at retaining experienced personnel and incentivising sea going duties, was also introduced this year with 81 applications received to date. .
- A sea going naval personnel tax credit of €1,270, which was applied in the 2020 tax year, has been extended for the 2021 tax year, and has been increased to €1,500.
Complementing these retention measures, the following recruitment initiatives are playing a role in countering the current staffing challenges:
- Ongoing General Service recruitment, maximising the Defence Forces training capacity.
- The expanding scope of direct entry competitions along with reviews of direct entry terms and conditions to further improve intakes.
- The re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF which resulted in 1 re-commissioning officer and 28 re-enlisting personnel in 2021.
The Deputy will be aware that as part of the terms of reference of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, the Commission is considering appropriate turnover and retention approaches, having regard to work undertaken to date and international best practice, to deliver the capabilities required of a modern military force. I look forward to receiving the Commission’s recommendations.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of both men and women to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.
122. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Forces in the preservation of cybersecurity; the number of personnel involved in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces' cybersecurity capacity has been expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 125 together.
My colleague Minister Ryan, as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, has overall responsibility for cyber security at a national level. The National Cyber Security Centre in his Department is the national response authority for cyber security incidents. But, of course, response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.
The primary responsibility of the Defence Forces relates to the defence and security of their own networks and systems. However, as in any emergency situation, once Defence systems are supported, the Department of Defence and Defence Forces provide support to the National Cyber Security Centre. For example, during the recent cyberattack on the HSE, the Defence Forces played an important role in supporting the response to it including provision of operational support to the HSE and, in particular, logistical and organisational support.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.
To this end, officials from the Department of Defence and members of the Defence Forces are actively involved in implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy such as through secondment of an officer to the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Estonia and departmental membership of the Inter-Departmental Committee overseeing implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy.
This Inter-Departmental Committee has recently been charged with the additional work of overseeing the plan to significantly expand the National Cyber Security Centre so that it can further develop its competence and capacity to help defend and protect IT systems and key services into the future.
For operational security reasons, no public comment will be made regarding Defence Forces Cyber Capability but I would note that the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030. Amongst the issues that the Commission is examining are Defence Force capabilities, structures and staffing in a number of areas. I expect that a report will be produced for consideration by Government before the end of the year.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all branches of the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and supplied in order to participate as necessary in overseas deployment, search and rescue missions, coastal reconnaissance or any emergencies of a natural or other nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47104/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrades and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
I am committed to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, having regard to the financial envelope available. Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.
The level of capital funding available will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.
The Government has established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the the future development of the Defence Forces.
