Written Answers Nos. 109-134
111. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence his plans to apply for a supplementary budget estimate in anticipation of the forthcoming report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56306/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was subsequently established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces and encompasses the following matters;
Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing. - Leveraging the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
- Governance and high level command and control structures in the Defence Forces.
- The evolution of remuneration systems and structures in the Defence Forces.
- A strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies, recruitment, retention and career progression.
The establishment of the 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.
The Commission is due to submit their report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving the report in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions, including those relating to funding, regarding the Defence Forces.
113. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the level of capital funding for the upgrade and modernisation of military equipment with a focus on the funding provided in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence (2015) and the 2019 White Paper update, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of defence military equipment and infrastructure.
As part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) set out the Government’s overarching investment strategy and capital budget for the period 2021-2030. In this context, the National Development Plan allocated multi-annual capital funding of €566 million to the Department of Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million provided for 2022.
Many of the defence equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding certainty provided by the National Development Plan is particularly welcome. This will enable Defence to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years. All suitable Defence Programmes/Projects, are considered as part of an internal Civil Military equipment development and infrastructure planning prioritisation process at the relevant time in the context of the prevailing capital envelope provided by the National Development Plan.
Among the major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes set to be prioritised over the coming years are:
- The Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment;
- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project;
- The ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the purchase of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
This funding will also enable a significant number of Defence infrastructural projects to advance under the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, including the:
- Provision of a new Cadet School in DFTC, Curragh Co Kildare;
- Provision of a New Military Medical Facility for the Defence Forces at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin;
- Upgrades to accommodation facilities in various military locations throughout the country such as Collins Barracks, Cork, McKee Barracks, Dublin and the Naval Base, Haulbowline.
The capital investment provided for the Defence Sector in the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the necessary capabilities to deliver on the roles assigned by Government.
114. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 373 of 15 September 2021, the efforts being made by his Department to increase the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). A key ongoing challenge for the RDF is to recruit and retain personnel and I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
As outlined in the previous PQ referred to, the regulatory establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is 4,069 personnel, as provided for in Defence Force Regulation CS4. The current effective strength is 1,504 personnel, as of 31 October 2021. The strength of the First Line Reserve at that date is 263 personnel.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the RDF and has resulted in a reduction of most collective induction processing and training activities. The pandemic resulted in the enactment of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 and the subsequent delays in Defence Forces applicant processing are now being addressed, including for RDF applicants.
The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is in place and is reviewed on an ongoing basis. This revised framework, I understand, affords more scope for RDF training and induction within the parameters of Government guidelines. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.
While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment.
Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible and an additional 29 new RDF members have been inducted as at the end of October this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.
I also had the pleasure this week of attending a Commissioning Ceremony where a cohort of 29 officers were newly commissioned into the Army Reserve. These 29 personnel, men and women, received their commissions following their successful graduation from a Potential Officers Course.
Additionally, I understand that measures are currently under consideration by the military authorities with a view to streamlining elements of the induction process. The outcome of a pilot initiative in this regard is awaited and will further inform next steps.
The Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which as the Deputy will be aware, is due to report at the end of the year and, in line with its Terms of Reference, is expected to include proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF. I very much look forward to the Report from the Commission.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law and this will serve to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF. The amendments contained in the Defence (Amendment) Act do not prejudge any possible recommendations from the Commission, but will facilitate the implementation of any recommendations the Commission may make, which would, of necessity, require legislative amendments.
Finally, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the RDF and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.
115. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to negate the impact of reports regarding the spiralling cost of living on serving members of the Permanent Defence Forces. [56517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the improvements that have taken place in the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces since this Government was formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56482/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties being experienced by members of the Naval Service; the practical measures he plans to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56545/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 118 and 131 together.
Public Service pay policy is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements.
Since the formation of the Government last year, members of the Defence Forces received a 2% increase on annualised salaries from 1st October 2020, in line with the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
The 5% cut in Defence Forces allowances, imposed under the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation, was also restored from 1st October 2020.
The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ ,provides for further increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021.
The agreement provides for further increases in 2022, i.e.:
- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on, 1st October 2022.
In relation to specific measures, the sea going naval personnel tax credit, which was introduced in the Finance Act 2019, was increased from €1,270 to €1,500 for the 2021 tax year and has been extended to the 2022 tax year.
A new sea-going service commitment scheme, for Naval Service personnel, came into effect from 1st January 2021. This scheme is aimed at retaining highly trained and experienced personnel, while also incentivising sea going duties.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces, which was established in December 2020. The terms of reference for the Commission includes an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces
On completion of the Commission's work, I will consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body for the Defence Forces.
116. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide information regarding the average 17.5 patrol days that were reported to be cancelled each month in 2019, which rose to 30 per month to date in 2021; the purpose of the patrols; and the reason for cancellation. [56520/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
Scheduled patrol days can be impacted by a range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance as well as staffing issues.
The table below outlines the number of cancelled Naval Service patrol days for the full year of 2019 and also up to 31 October 2021.
Number of Naval Service cancelled Patrol days
|
Period covered |
Number of cancelled patrol days |
Average patrol days cancelled per month |
|
01 Jan 2019 - 31 Dec 2019 |
94 |
7.8 |
|
01 Jan 2020 – 31 Dec 2020 |
81 |
6.7 |
|
01 Jan 2021 - 31 October 2021 |
223 |
22.3 |
The increase in cancelled patrol days in 2021 is mainly due to issues relating to COVID 19 as one of the ships, LÉ Ciara could not go to sea given its inability, due to its size, to implement safely the necessary Covid 19 precautions. There were also some unforeseen mechanical issues. In particular 47 scheduled patrol days were cancelled in 2021 due to a fire which occurred on board LÉ NIAMH in late 2020. A shortage of suitably qualified and experienced personnel during the period in question was also a factor.
Notwithstanding the mechanical and staffing challenges being experienced, I am satisfied that the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
119. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the nature of the support provided and the corresponding hourly equivalent including the number of trips and kilometres provided by the Civil Defence in support of the HSE operations relating to Covid-19. [56518/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivil Defence is a volunteer based organisation that supports the Principal Response Agencies (i.e. An Garda Síochána , the HSE and local authorities), government departments and state agencies during national, regional and local emergency and non-emergency events.
From 17 March 2020 to 31 October 2021 Civil Defence volunteers completed 9,184 COVID-19 related taskings while providing sustained support to communities throughout the country.
During this 594 day period:
- A daily average of 32 Civil Defence volunteers provided a daily average of 139 volunteer hours.
- A total of 82,142 volunteer hours were provided by over 900 different Civil Defence volunteers.
- A total of 9,184 individual taskings were undertaken in support to the Principal Response Agencies including the HSE. Support was also provided to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and the Department of Justice & Equality.
Examples of the types of tasks undertaken by Civil Defence volunteers included;
- providing administrative and first aid assistance at HSE Vaccination Centres
- providing administrative assistance to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service
- transporting persons to and from hospital appointments
- transporting persons to and from nursing homes
- transporting persons to and from testing centres
- sorting and delivering COVID-19 test kits to test centres
- transporting elderly persons to Health Centres and Mass Vaccination Centres
- collecting foodstuffs from suppliers and bakers for food hubs
- delivering food parcels to vulnerable households
- providing assistance to vulnerable persons within communities
- delivering essential PPE to community hospitals and nursing homes
- transporting COVID-19 positive persons from accommodation centres to other locations to allow for self-isolation
- setting up isolation centres and transporting food and laundry for homeless services
The Department of Defence does not hold a record specific to the number of trips and kilometres travelled by Civil Defence in support of the HSE operations relating to Covid-19.
I want to take this opportunity to commend the wonderful work undertaken by Civil Defence volunteers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, their work has been invaluable in supporting communities during this period.
120. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the key defence measures under the new National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56501/21]
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 and developed so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
In accordance with the National Development Plan, the Department of Defence has received a capital envelope of €566 million over the 2022-2025 timeframe, with the 2022 allocation increasing from €131 in 2021 to €141 million. This level of capital funding will boost ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading defence equipment platforms and built infrastructure.
Among the priority defence equipment and platform projects underway the National Development Plan highlighted the following:
- Upgrade of armoured vehicles
- Replacement of 4 X 4 fleet
- Replacement of troop transport fleet
- Software defined radio project
- Integrated modular body armour system
- Mid-life refit of LÉ Niamh
- Acquisition of a Multi Role Vessel
- C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft project
A significant number of infrastructural projects will also be advanced and completed under the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, in line with climate change considerations over the coming years, including:
- Upgrade of training facilities in Kilkenny and Limerick.
- Provision of a new Cadet School in DFTC, Curragh, Co. Kildare.
- Provision of a New Military Medical Facility for the Defence Forces at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin.
- Upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations throughout the country such as Collins Barracks, Cork, McKee Barracks, Dublin and the Naval Base, Haulbowline.
The capital funding provided under the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government. I particularly welcome the funding certainty now provided by the National Development Plan as it will enable the Defence Forces to continue delivering required outputs both at home and overseas.
The Government 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 I look forward to their report at year end, which will inform future capability decisions.
121. 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. [56370/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the action he will take regarding the vacant position of adjudicator to the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56305/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 125 together.
The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform is responsible for managing the process for the appointment, by Government, of an Adjudicator for all Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) schemes operating across the public service, including the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.
The term of the previous Adjudicator ended on 30 June 2021. I am informed that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is actively engaged in a process to progress the appointment of an Adjudicator for all of the C&A Schemes concerned.
Officials in my Department are in regular contact with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in seeking to expedite this matter.
The Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, along with all other relevant stakeholders, will be consulted regarding the appointment of a new adjudicator.
In the interim, the Arbitration Board for the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force is available for third party determination of matters that cannot be resolved at Conciliation Council.
122. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Defence if he will produce a report for discussion on Defence Forces salaries; and his views on the fact that Defence Forces personnel have to access family income supports. [56301/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Service pay policy is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements. The most recent public service pay agreement ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ was voted on and has been accepted by members of the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, that is RACO and PDFORRA. This agreement includes the following increases:
- A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, which came into effect on 1st October 2021.
- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on, 1st October 2022.
The Working Family Payment (WFP), which was formerly the Family Income Supplement, is a weekly tax-free payment available to employees with children. The purpose of this payment is to support families on low income. Eligibility for the payment is based on average weekly family income and family size. On the basis of these criteria there may be members of the Defence Forces who qualify to apply for the WFP.
Salaries in the Defence Forces, and the broader public service, are based on job requirements, as opposed to a person's family circumstances. While I appreciate that some personnel have difficult financial situations, it would be inequitable and unfair to base salaries of individual public sector employees on family size.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces and this is reflected in the Programme for Government. In accordance with commitments given in the Programme for Government, an independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established in December 2020. The work of Commission includes examining the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Defence Forces is due to complete its work by the end of this year. On completion of the Commissions work, I will consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body for the Defence Forces.
123. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence his future plans for lands owned by his Department at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare. [56317/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has given permission to the Office of Public Works for the use of part of this holding as a Direct Provision centre which has been in operation for a number of years. My Department has not received any notification of the intention to vacate the premises.
The Deputy may wish to note that my Department together with the Defence Forces have commenced a review of the current training lands portfolio as committed to the White Paper. In the light of the above, it is not currently intended to dispose of these lands in the immediate future.
124. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider a reform of the process by which medals are awarded and honour the service men and women following on from the independent review into medals awarded to those involved in the Jadotville siege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56546/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas. Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Forces Medals.
This Regulation also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces and requires that any recommendations for possible awards must be made in accordance with the relevant procedures. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
The issue of awarding of military medals to personnel who served at Jadotville has been considered on a number of occasions and most recently by the Independent Review Group (IRG), established to examine the issue of the award of military medals to personnel who served at Jadotville. The IRG’s report was published in full on 15 July 2021.
I have publicly welcomed the report in response to its publication last July. The report provides a comprehensive, multidimensional and contextualised account of the Battle of Jadotville and its aftermath. The conclusions and recommendations are based on a rigorous and objective examination of all material and evidence available.
A critical factor is to ensure that the process of awarding medals is underpinned by oversight, objectivity, accountability, and transparency. With a view therefore to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, the recommendations of the Independent Review Group are being considered in that context.
As the Deputy will be aware, a judicial review is under way at present regarding a recommendation of the IRG report relating to the convening of a Military Board to consider the award of medals. Given that the matter is now before the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he and his Department continue to liaise with the Defence Forces with a view to the resolution of matters outstanding including the strength of all branches, matters relating to pay and conditions or other issues of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56457/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is sustained close collaboration between the civil and military sides of the Defence Organisation to identify, resolve and progress any matters that may arise. Such collaboration takes place at all levels of the organisation.
The central forum for the management and oversight of civil and military matters is provided by the joint civil-military Strategic Management Committee, which meets on a monthly basis and provides a means by which senior civil and military managers engage in policy development.
Such integrated civil and military groups are common place within the Organisation, examples of which include are as follows:
- The White Paper on Defence established the policy framework out to 2025 and this was developed jointly by civil-military working groups and overseen by a joint Steering Group. A joint civil-military White Paper Implementation Facilitation Team oversee the implementation of the White Paper and all projects are being, or were undertaken by civil-military teams.
- The Strategic Human Resource Group (SHRG), comprised of senior management, coordinates the HR plans and activities of the civil and military elements of the Defence Organisation to ensure delivery. The initial priority of the SHRG was the oversight of the 15 projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the Public Service Pay Commission’s recommendations on recruitment and retention. The projects were undertaken by civil-military teams and were facilitated by a joint Programme Management Office.
- The High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG), comprised of senior civil-military management, is the sanctioning authority where significant levels of expenditure is proposed on the procurement of goods and services. The HLPPG meets as required to progress equipment procurement and infrastructural development priorities.
Public Service pay policy is outside the remit of my Department, as it is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements. Within the Defence Organisation, matters that come within the scope of the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme, such as allowances, are considered by the civil and military Conciliation and Arbitration Branches in the first instance.
I meet regularly with senior civil and military management, both jointly and separately, to be appraised of all pertinent matters relating to my Department. As the instances of interactions outlined above illustrate, the bilateral engagement and co-operation by Defence Organisation personnel is comprehensive. However the above are just examples of the wide range of on-going engagement that is undertaken on a daily basis to successfully address any matters that may arise.
129. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the status of Irish troops serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56576/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 4 May 2021 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. The Irish contingent serves as part of a joint Ireland/Poland Battalion, with smaller numbers of additional personnel provided by both Hungary and Malta.
Ireland acts as lead Nation providing the battalion commanding officer and the larger troop and logistics contribution to the joint Battalion. The full cohort of personnel provided for as part Ireland's commitment to the joint Battalion, comprises three hundred and forty three personnel.
The Irish Battalion is based in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations, with its primary base at Bint Jbeil in the vicinity of At Tiri in southern Lebanon. Two forward observation posts manned by the contingent are located on the ‘Blue Line’, which separates Lebanon and Israel. The Battalion conducts operational tasks on a daily basis, which include the provision of security, vehicle and foot patrols, checkpoints, establishing and occupying temporary observation posts and liaison/engagement with local leaders. In addition, joint operations are conducted with units of the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in the UNIFIL area of operations.
130. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to improve reporting mechanisms for Defence Forces personnel experiencing sexual abuse, harassment and bullying. [56513/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll members of the Defence Forces, both male and female, have the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of harassment, sexual harassment or bullying. Where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.
Arising from the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms were implemented in the intervening years for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in regulation.
The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Defence Force Regulation A7, additionally provides the regulatory framework for dealing with any allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace for serving members, in both a formal and informal way through a trained Designated Contact Person (DCP) network.
Within this framework, Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including bullying and harassment, in order to deter unacceptable behaviour and promote a service environment based on mutual respect, equality and professionalism.
Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7 provides another formal mechanism for members, under Section 114 (1) and 114 (2) of the Defence Act, 1954, to seek redress of wrongs or to make a complaint. Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the complainants Commanding Officer, or in the case where they feel themselves wronged by their Commanding Officer, may complain to the Chief of Staff. Notifications are sent to my office and the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces formally when any Chapter 2 complaint is submitted and of its subsequent outcome.
Under this mechanism there exists further recourse for the complaint to be referred to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for review and recommendation if appropriate. As the Deputy will be aware, the Ombudsman is entirely independent in carrying out his functions in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, 2004, and his final report, which may include a recommendation on each complaint, is submitted to me for determination.
I am further advised that in the event that a complaint of a potentially criminal nature is reported, the standard procedure is that the matter is investigated immediately by the Military Police. Where allegations of criminal incidents among serving members are brought to the attention of the Military Police, they are traditionally passed to An Garda Síochána for their consideration and investigation, who have the lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate such matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, I met recently with participants from the Women of Honour Group and with a number of serving female members of the Defence Forces, where I had the opportunity to listen carefully to their experiences, in what were very informative meetings. In addition, participants from the Women of Honour Group have met with the Secretary General and senior officials from my Department.
While I have noted that there has been progress in recent years in terms of policies, systems and procedures, it is clear that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault, have not, and are not serving, all Defence Forces personnel well.
On foot of those meetings, I have decided to proceed with the Independent Review, to examine the effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures to deal with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces. The draft Terms for the Independent Review have been shared with a range of stakeholders including the Representative Associations, serving members and the Women of Honour Group. I look forward to receiving their observations which will inform the Terms of the Review which I intend to finalise within the coming weeks. I wish to underline also that this Review will be undertaken by external and entirely independent and unbiased experts in this field. In this regard, potential members are also under consideration.
Separately, I announced last month, interim support measures for members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern, which has been in place since the announcement, is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and will provide a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace. The confidential contact person is independent and outside of the chain of command and their role is listen to the caller, assist them in documenting their allegations, and provide guidance on follow-on options.
The INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, has also been made available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
In addition, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
As I have stated in the past however, those who may have suffered serious wrong or a criminal nature, whether recent or historic, are urged to report their concerns to An Garda Síochána who have lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate such matters.
Finally, I wish to reiterate my commitment and that of the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces, male and female, can carry out their duties in a safe and respectful workplace based on dignity, equality and zero-tolerance for any kind of unacceptable behaviour.
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the provisions in view of recent violence and rioting in Northern Ireland that are being made by the Defence Forces to deal with potential paramilitary activity from loyalist paramilitaries. [56579/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
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. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.
There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of these security related meetings.
Military 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.
133. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the actual measures or protocols in place to protect undersea fibre optic cables that run under Irish waters from interference or tampering by foreign or hostile agents; if a risk assessment of the likelihood of such an incident has been carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56548/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State’s principal seagoing agency maintaining a constant presence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout Ireland’s enormous and rich maritime jurisdiction, upholding Ireland’s sovereign rights.
It is the maritime component of the Defence Forces and is tasked with a variety of roles in support of a broad range of departments and agencies with responsibilities in the maritime domain. For example, An Garda Síochána, Revenue, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and various other Government Departments in line with Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements.
As part of the development of the 2015 White Paper on Defence, the Department engaged in a broad-ranging consultation process, including with all other Departments. At that time the Department of the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources outlined that resilience is built into the system to mitigate against any damage to submarine cables. High capacity and multiple routes provide resilience in the event of route failure. Business Continuity Planning is of interest to all major international corporations. Where damage has occurred to a cable in the past, the operators have shared a cable while repairs are made. Under the National Cyber Security Strategy, an updated detailed risk assessment of the vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyberattack is being performed.
The Defence Forces are aware of active subsea fibre optic cables landing on the island of Ireland. While these may present strategic locations for marine counter terrorism, the locations and security of these telecommunication resources does not rest with the Defence Forces. As any threat to these installations would be considered an on-island domestic security matter, the responsibility rests with An Garda Síochána.
Question No. 134 answered with question No. 96.
