Dara Calleary
Ceist:104. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of projects under the white paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces
Ceisteanna (104)
Freagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within the broader security policy framework. Since publication of the White Paper in 2015, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Project and Programme Management Governance arrangements were put in place to monitor the ongoing status of individual projects and to review the scope of projects within the programme.
Implementation of all of the projects is being carried out on a phased basis through the use of a project management framework with each being managed by a joint Civil-Military Project Team. The overall process is being kept under on-going review and will be subject to change as issues arise and other business dictates.
Following on from the White Paper Update 2019 and the Government’s High Level Implementation Plan to implement the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission, senior civil and military management concluded a review in early 2021 of the projects which resulted in reprioritisation of certain projects. This took account of work that is progressing across the organisation which has been contributing to implementation of the White Paper.
The review of progress on all projects led to the approval of an updated White Paper Programme Implementation Roadmap. Of the initial 95 projects, 66 have been formally initiated to date with 47 now formally closed and an additional four are in the closing process. Commencement of a further 15 projects in the period 2022 to 2025 was also approved. 14 other projects have been deferred, pending recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces which is due to report shortly.
Question No. 105 answered orally.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (106)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:106. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will be purchasing new land vehicles, naval vessels or aircraft in 2022. [3630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m.
There are a number of defensive equipment acqusition and upgrade projects for which there will be capital expenditure in the coming years and which will see the delivery of additional capability in 2022. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carrier vehicles which is well underway as well as the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles. The Army's softskin fleet continues to be updated also with over 220 vehicles due for delivery in 2022.
In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
With regard to the Naval Service, the programme of works has for the midlife reft and upgrade of the LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works have commenced on LÉ Niamh. The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. The possible replacement of other vessels is also under consideration.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, to enable them to meet operational requirements.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (107)
John Brady
Ceist:107. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are currently being undertaken to provide the Defence Forces with the means to adequately patrol the air space controlled by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence 2015 set out the defence policy framework for a ten year period. The White Paper, in addressing Air Corps capability, provided for the replacement of the Cessnas and Casa 235s fleets.
The Cessnas have now been replaced by three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveilance technology. A further Pilatus PC-12 was also procured arising from the demands of Covid. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s was signed with Airbus in 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. These C295s are larger and more capable aircfrat than those they replace and will enable the Air Corps to conduct martime patrols and surveillance acros Ireland's area of maritime interest, with enhanced capabilities.
The White Paper also stated that should additional funding become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps is a priority. Funding for this is not specifically provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of priorities having regard to the ongoing security environment and any associated developments. As outlined in the White Paper, the Air Corps's PC 9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. Consideration of a more capable air combat intercept capability falls within the on-going Equipment Development Planning process, having regard to funding and other priorities. However, there are no plans to procure any such aircraft at his point.
Following a commitment given in the Programme for Government a Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020 and their report is expected soon. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Defence Forces. Their report will be fully considered when received and will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (108)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:108. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Defence if funding has been provided to organisations working with former Defence Forces and ex-service personnel; if so, the way the funding is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3794/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department formally recognises two Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel. They are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA).
My Department engages on an ongoing basis with these veterans’ organisations and has entered into Service Level Agreements with them. An annual grant is paid to both ONE and IUNVA to assist in their overheads. ONE is currently paid an annual grant of €100,000 and IUNVA is paid an annual grant of €11,000.
As a further means of assistance, my Department has secured total funding of €500,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects. Almost €300,000 was spent in 2021 while the remainder will be used to fund further special projects in 2022.
On 3rd October 2021, I officially opened ONE's new residential home which can accommodate 5 retired members of the Defence Forces and a Veterans Support Centre in Cobh, Co. Cork. This building was refurbished with funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
IUNVA used funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2021 to pay for the development of a new United Nations museum at its headquarters in Mount Temple Road, Dublin 7. Other funding was used to purchase IT equipment for IUNVA posts.
In line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government, my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further ONE Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) around the country. VSCs are available to all veterans to seek support and advice, not just to ONE members.
On 29th November 2021, I officially opened the new building housing the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service and ONE's Veterans Support Centre at Campfield, Collins Barracks, Cork. This project was funded by my Department and replaced a temporary Veterans Support Centre in the Cork Barracks.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (109)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:109. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made in relation to the High-Level Implementation Plan for Strengthening our Defence Forces; when the completed project reports will be shared with Defence Forces representative associations in line with the request from the chairperson of the Defence Forces Conciliation Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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” was also agreed and published on the same date. The high level plan comprised 15 individual projects most of which have now been completed or at an advanced stage.
In the course of the work on the projects, reports and papers were produced that relate to the identification, examination and consideration of options that inform management deliberations, but do not necessarily in themselves represent final proposals or discussion documents for exchange with the Representative Associations. On that basis, it is not appropriate to provide the Representative associations with access to the contents of reports which are part of ongoing management deliberative processes. My Department will of course, continue to engage with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, once Official side proposals are finalised.
By way of an update on the status pf the projects, four of them, relating to pay 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, a review of technical pay groups and a review of recruitment processes. The Workforce Planning Project is being progressed through the joint civil/military Strategic Human Resources Group
The Review of Pay Structures project was intended to examine pay structures in the Permanent Defence Force and to fall under the public service pay agreement “Building Momentum”. However, in the intervening period, one of the tasks set for the Commission on the Defence Forces was also to examine pay structures in the Permanent Defence Force. The recommendations of another project dealing with incentivised long service arrangements for certain Officer and NCO ranks, fell to be considered in the context of the sectoral bargaining element of “Building 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. A review has been completed by civil and military staff and their Report contains a number of recommendations for extension in service limits. The recommendations require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to the implications on costs and pensions.
Phase 2 examined the contracts of service and mandatory retirement ages for enlisted personnel. In December 2021, agreement was secured with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which will allow for an extension in service limits for all Privates and Corporals to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Arrangements were also secured which will allow for Sergeants to continue to serve beyond 50 years of age the details of which will be finalised following further discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Other recommendations in this project will be considered in the forum of an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has established to consider mandatory retirement ages for all public service groups with fast accrual pension arrangements.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (110)
Cathal Berry
Ceist:110. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding discussions within his Department to enable sergeants who enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces after 1 January 1994 to continue in service beyond 50-years of age; when an outcome of these discussions is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review requires consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.
I recently secured an agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which will allow an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
In addition, I also secured arrangements that will facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1994. Details in relation to the proposal for Sergeants will be finalised following further discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There will also be discussions with PDFORRA, the representative association for enlisted personnel on this matter.
Question No. 111 answered orally.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (112)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:112. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence the engagement the Defence Forces have with the school system in the context of promoting the positive work carried out by the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The military authorities have advised me that the Defence Forces regularly receive requests from schools for career talks and have themselves begun to actively engage with schools to conduct career talks. These talks generally cover career opportunities available in both the enlisted and commissioned ranks across the three services (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps). Career talks cover the day-to-day work of the Defence Forces to include ATCP (Aid to the Civil Power), ATCA (Aid to the Civil Authority) and Overseas services and duties.
In addition, the Defence Forces Recruitment offices regularly attend events aimed at future career choices for schools such as transition year events and career guidance counsellor conferences.
Question No. 113 answered orally.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (114)
John Brady
Ceist:114. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider awarding a patrol service medal to members of the Naval Service for extended periods of service at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main 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. The role the Naval Service plays in Ireland’s maritime domain is of central importance.
There are currently two medals that mark the service of personnel with either the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) or the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The medal known as An Bonn Seirbhíse (The Service Medal) may be awarded to an officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the Defence Forces, or a member of the Army Nursing or Chaplaincy Service who possess the qualifying criteria for the award, as outlined in Defence Force Regulation A.9. Members or former members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve qualify for an Bonn Seirbhíse (Na hÓglaigh Cúltaca) (The Service Medal (Reserve Defence Force)) after 7 years service. The award of either of these medals to qualifying personnel reflects the service given by those personnel to either the PDF or the RDF as the case may be, and by extension the wider public, during the periods for which they served. Whilst acknowledging the significant role of all Defence Forces personnel to the security of the State, I am satisfied that these medals meet the need of marking service of personnel with either the PDF or RDF as the case may be, and I have no plans to introduce additional medals in this regard.
Additional mission specific medals, such as An Bonn Seirbhíse Idirnáisiúnta Oibríochta Óglaigh na hÉireann (The Defence Forces International Operational Service Medal) have been issued to personnel who have served on the humanitarian mission Op PONTUS in the Mediterranean. Subsequent missions to the Mediterranean as part of the EUNAVFOR mission (Op SOPHIA) have received authorised mission medals instead.
More recently, in June 2021, the Naval Service played a key role in tracking and identifying a fishing vessel which was carrying drugs estimated to be worth €220 million. The vessel was intercepted off the Canary Islands after the Naval Service had brought the ship to the attention of Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC (N)) the EU anti-drugs agency. To recognise the work of the Defence Forces, in particular the Naval Service and Air Corps, I was delighted to see that they received the MAOC (N) Medal of Excellence for their role in assisting in the interception of Trans National Organised Crime vessels transporting drugs to Europe.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (115)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:115. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the type of education supports that are provided to members of the Defence Forces such as those under the Military Education Strategy. [3640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Training and education in the Defence Forces is conducted in line with national and international best practice, including the manner in which students are supported. On average, the Defence Forces conducts between 1,200 and 1,400 courses of training and education each year.
The Defence Forces is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning and the accreditation of Defence Forces training and education where appropriate. As such, the organisation has a number of collaborative partners across the Further and Higher Education sector including IT Carlow, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and SOLAS. In addition to these partnerships, the Defence Forces operates a refund of fees scheme that facilitates personnel in accessing partial funding to pay for courses in which they are engaged in their own time.
The Defence Forces Policy on Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) provides information for Defence Forces training establishments, students and instructors on the supports available to personnel with SLDs. Guidance is available on disclosure, screening, teaching strategies, assistive technologies and assessment supports to be utilised. The Defence Forces has trained a number of Officers and Non Commissioned Officers as Student Liaison Officers to assist in the provision of these supports to personnel across the Defence Forces through the completion of a Level 9 Programme in Adult Guidance and Counselling. Defence Forces personnel are also supported to access further and higher education programmes through Recognition of Prior Learning and Work Based Learning Portfolios. These mechanisms allow access to programmes through non-traditional methods.
The Defence Forces has recently published its first formal Professional Military Education Strategy, covering the period 2021 to 2024. It builds on the Professional Military Education framework previously developed for Officer Ranks, as well as the annual Training and Education Directive.
The aim of the Professional Military Education strategy is to develop and maintain military capability by building on existing Professional Military Education concepts, incorporating 'best practice' approaches as utilised by other international military academies, Partner Nations, and national Higher Level Institutes in order to develop a future framework that clearly defines Defence Forces educational and career pathways, while also enabling an effective and progressive approach to the delivery of Defence Forces Education and Training needs. It will assist in ensuring that the Defence Forces attract, develop and retain high quality personnel and will underpin the capacity of the Defence Forces to fulfil the roles assigned by Government.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (116, 132, 151)
Cathal Berry
Ceist:116. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Commission on the Defence Forces report; when this report is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Neale Richmond
Ceist:132. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Barry Cowen
Ceist:151. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence when the Commission on the Defence Forces will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 132 and 151 together.
The Programme for Government committed to the establishment of an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. The independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020 and its terms of reference provide for their examining and making recommendations regarding the structures and size of the Defence Forces, defence capabilities, HR polices and strategies, the Reserve Defence Force, governance and high level command and control in the Defence Forces, and pay structures. The Commission’s overall approach is 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
As part of a broad consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on matters related to its terms of reference. The Commission received nearly 500 submissions, all of which have been published on their website.
The Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Members of the Commission also conducted site visits to military locations across the country, meeting nearly 1,000 military personnel. In addition the Commission held two webinars, one in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and one in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their report as soon as possible. At that point the report will be fully considered. Given the significant issues provided for in the Commission’s terms of reference, there will be a requirement for consultation with Ministerial colleagues on any matters that fall within their remit, and to consider the legal and governance implications of the Commission’s recommendations where required. I will also be seeking the views of my Department and the Defence Forces. When these deliberations are completed I intend to revert to Government with a proposed plan of action.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in advance of the publication of the report and the subsequent consideration of its recommendations, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculation regarding any of the Commission’s potential recommendations or the response to those recommendations.
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (117)
James Lawless
Ceist:117. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the defence budget was underspent in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For 2021, the total allocation provided to the Defence Sector was €1,072 million, comprising some €262 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and €810 million for Vote 36 (Defence). The provisional end of year figures indicate that there was an overall Defence Sector gross underspend of over €25 million in 2021, approximately 2% of the Defence Sector allocation.
Expenditure under the Army Pensions Vote is essentially demand-driven and non-discretionary and a gross underspend of over €2 million occurred in 2021. This underspend arose mainly due to less personnel exiting the Defence Forces than was originally estimated.
The provisional outturn for the Defence Vote indicates a gross underspend of €23 million for 2021. This has arisen mainly due to pay savings as the Defence Vote is funded on an annual basis for a target strength of 9,500 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel, whereas the actual strength is somewhat below that figure.
In previous years, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, such pay savings were reallocated to address spending pressures elsewhere in the Defence Vote subheads and across the Defence Sector Votes. However in 2021, similar to many other Public Service organisations, the impact of COVID-19 and supply chain difficulties has limited the extent to which my Department was able to re-direct these savings.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, there was significant capital spending of some €129 million in 2021 on the ongoing upgrade and replacement of essential military equipment and the development of the Defence Forces built infrastructure. This level of expenditure, despite significant Covid 19 and other supply chain challenges, highlights my commitment to ensuring the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas. Additionally, for 2022, the provision of the significant funding allocation of over €1.1 billion emphasises this Government ongoing commitment to the Defence Sector.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (118)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:118. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the planned timeline for publication from the Military Service 1916-1923 Pension Collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection (MSPC) project is a joint Department of Defence and Defence Forces contribution to the Decade of Centenaries. The MSPC owes its origins to the decision of the Oireachtas of Saorstát Éireann in June 1923 to recognise and compensate wounded members, and the widows, children and dependents of deceased members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, including the National Forces, the Irish Volunteers, the Irish Republican Army and the Irish Citizen Army through the payment of allowances and gratuities. Over time, provision was enhanced and broadened to include members of the Hibernian Rifles, Cumann na mBan, Fianna Éireann and certain members of the Connaught Rangers. Two streams of legislation are relevant to the material in the collection:
- The Army Pensions Acts from 1923 to 1953
- The Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924, 1934 and 1949.
The MSPC project is mandated to preserve and make available the files and records of the Department of Defence dealing with the service of qualifying members of these organisations from the period April 1916 to the 30th of September 1923. This involves cataloguing and digitising in the region of 275,000 files.
To date, there has been eleven releases of material under the MSPC project, the latest release was in November 2021. Since the first release of material in 2014, more than 108,000 files have been individually catalogued by the MSPC team, with over 38,000 scanned files currently fully downloadable online. All releases of records from MSPC and the online resources are hosted on the Military Archives Website (www.militaryarchives.ie ).
The Military Service Pension Collection (MSPC) has been key to some of the most dynamic recent research on the Irish revolutionary period and the records contained in the collection provide invaluable historical information that captures first-hand accounts of the experiences of the individuals involved in this defining period of Irish history. Each release of material from this collection reveals previously unknown or forgotten experiences of those involved in events of that time. The continued digitisation and release of material from this collection presents the public with the opportunity to research information about their ancestors and their community during the period leading up to the establishment of Irish independence.
Looking forward, the MSPC project will continue to digitise and release additional material. For 2022, it is planned that two further releases of material will take place during the year and planning is underway for a third publication from the MSPC Project. At present, it is expected that this planned publication will be ready for release in Quarter 4 of this year.
The records in the MSPC are an important source for the history of the twentieth century Ireland as a whole and the planned publication will further explore the collection and consider the role of the collection into the future. Since the first release of material from this extensive historical collection it is clear that the records capture aspects of the lived experience in twentieth century Ireland and the collection contains many thousands of otherwise unrecorded voices.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (119)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:119. 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. [3631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is my duty of care obligation to all members of the Defence Forces. I am fully committed to ensuring that every member has the right to be treated with dignity, equality and respect to carry out their duties in a safe workplace underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
As the Deputy is aware I announced this week the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. The Independent Review will
- examine current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices,
- assess the pervading culture in the workplace, and on the basis of this work,
- make recommendations on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
A number of reforms have been implemented over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). 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.
Despite the reforms that have taken place, current and former members of the Defence Forces have been clear that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
It is of critical importance therefore that I proceed with this Review to ensure that the workplace is safe for all serving members.
Question No. 120 answered orally.