Barry Cowen
Ceist:42. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the comments made by the Commission on Defence on the Reserve Defence Forces. [13224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces
Ceisteanna (42)
Freagraí scríofa
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including the future role of the Reserve Defence Force.
There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate therefore, for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of the Government's consideration.
I wish to reiterate again however, that the Government remains committed to the RDF. Indeed, the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (43)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:43. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the actions that he is taking to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces. [13411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces are paid increases, in pay and allowances, in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. A general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, were also increased by 1% on this date.
The current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:
- 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 last, which is in the process of being paid.
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.
In addition to general round pay increases, arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, as well as the Government decision in December 2020, which agreed its terms of reference and membership.
In February 2022, the Minister welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference, including an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of the recommendations is required. This will involve significant inter-departmental consultation and the Minister also intends to get the views of key stakeholders. Following that engagement the Minister intends to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan.
The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (44)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:44. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the part that he or his Department officials have taken in European Union meetings relating to the supply of military equipment to Ukraine; the stand taken by Ireland on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13473/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence format took place via video conference on Monday 28 February. The meeting was to discuss the latest situation in Ukraine, following Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military invasion and the discussion focused on efforts already underway in terms of support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF) Assistance Measures.
The European Union has agreed a package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine in two separate EPF assistance measures, focusing respectively on (i) supplies not designed to deliver lethal force, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits and fuel to a total value of €50 million and (ii) a lethal assistance component, valued at €450 million.
On the basis of our participation in the EPF and consistent with the commitments in the Programme for Government, which clearly states that Ireland will not fund lethal equipment through the EPF, Ireland constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package proposed under the European Peace Facility. However, we will pay our full share (approx €10 million) and our funding will go to non-lethal elements such as the provision of additional equipment in terms of personal protection equipment and material support for the armed forces of Ukraine. The provision of this funding will allow the EU to quickly respond to the Ukrainian request and responds to a specific ask from the Ukrainian authorities.
We are continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and my officials in both the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs continue to engage in all discussions on the matter as required.
In addition, the Taoiseach announced over the weekend that the government will provide a further €10 million in humanitarian aid, adding to the €10 million agreed last week.
Moreover, Ireland has already lifted the visa requirement for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Ireland.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (45)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on and response to the call by the Commission on Defence Forces for the enhancement of the Defence Forces structures across the cyber domain. [13196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision. While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, 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, recognising the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.
Officials in my Department and members of the Defence Forces work closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and other Government Departments and Agencies to support measures to deal with cyber challenges. A member of the Defence Forces is also currently seconded to the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. The Centre is involved in carrying out cyber-defence focused training awareness campaigns, workshops, and courses and developing and conducting cyber defence-focused exercises.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. This includes inter-departmental consultation as appropriate. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (46)
James Lawless
Ceist:46. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence his views on the finding made by the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to the current Army structure, that the current brigade system primarily comprises two regional administrative structures that are not deployable and do not align to international standards in terms of their strength or capabilities and are understaffed and underresourced. [13274/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current two Brigade structure was introduced in 2012 following a reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. The previous three Brigade structure, which was originally introduced for a PDF strength of 11,500 personnel, could not be sustained within that lower strength level.
The current strength of the PDF is just under 8,500 personnel, which is significantly less than that intended for the two Brigade structure. A key aspect of the terms of reference for the Commission on the Defence Forces was to consider the most appropriate structures for the Defence Forces.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published and the report contains 69 main recommendations and, together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations in total. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The Report recommends further work on the identification of suitable Army structures.
As the Report contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 15.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (48)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:48. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence his views on the concerns of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to an evident culture across the Defence Forces which is masculine and has a limited appreciation of diversity of all kinds [13251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would therefore, be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Notwithstanding this, I believe that it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies. The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
On foot of engagements both I and my officials have had in recent months, with a number of stakeholders, including both serving and former members, I have publicly acknowledged that the systems, policies and pervading culture in the Defence Forces, have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
As the Deputy will be aware, the recently established Independent Review Group, under the Chair of retired High Court Judge, Bronagh O’Hanlon, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture.
The Independent Review Group willl, in particular,:
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- Provide recommendations and guidance 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.
This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces are able undertake their duties in a work place that is safe, and and underpinned by core principles of dignity and equality and where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour. I have set an ambitious timetable for the Group and I have requested an interim report within 6 months with a final report within 12 months, which I intend to bring to Government.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (49)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:49. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to bring derelict buildings at the Curragh Camp in County Kildare back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces built infrastructure as set in the 5 year Plan published in January 2020 provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. The 2022 allocation of €45m for maintaining and improving the building stock is significantly higher than the 2021 allocation and is reflective of the crucial importance I attach to ensuring infrastructure in the Defence Forces is modernised and fit for purpose.
The future development of the Defence Forces Training Centre is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan.
Where appropriate and required it is open to the military authorities to consider the conversion of vacant or under utilsed properties for a number of purposes such as the conversion to Single Living accommodation for serving personnel in the Defence Forces Training Centre. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the biggest allocation for the Defence Forces built infrastructure of €45m for 2022, of which €35m is specifically targeted at the progression of major capital projects. With a further €10m being provided to the Defence Forces on a fully delegated basis for the purposes of maintenance of the current building stock.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (50)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:50. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the general age, condition and capacity of Ireland’s air defence equipment. [13311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade 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.
The EDP sets out current priorities and plans taking account of available resources and in line with the policy approach in the White Paper on Defence. The EDP is based on a rigorous prioritised examination of the range of equipment requirements to deliver on roles and associated capabilities. Prioritisation must take account of the immediacy of any operational demand as well as planning, specification, procurement, production and delivery time-frames and relevant resourcing.
At any one time, there will be a balance of what is feasible within available funding and what is needed taking account of equipment life-cycles and the needs of on-going and contingent requirements. The overall priorities in the EDP remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of air defence equipment.
In relation to air-based capability, the Air Corps use surface search radar on the CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft and all aircraft are fitted with a transponder and the automatic identification system (AIS) for identification and tracking. 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.
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.
The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking.
Existing capabilities available to the Army include radar systems such as the Giraffe Mk4 short-range air defence system and the RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile, which has been upgraded with BOLIDE missiles. Other capabilities include the Browning Heavy Machine Gun and the General Purpose Machine Gun which can be used in various roles including anti-aircraft. For operational security reasons, I am not in a position to outline further details of these equipment platforms held by the Defence Forces.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (51, 56)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:51. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that have been had with the Defence Forces with regard to the use of Cathal Brugha barracks for housing. [13296/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Brady
Ceist:56. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the purpose of the feasibility study on the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks; the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 56 together.
Cathal Brugha Barracks is the only operational military installation in Dublin City and plays a key role in meeting ongoing Defence Forces' operational and emergency. In recognition that the issue of a relocation arises periodicaly, my Department has secured funding, under the Housing For All implementation fund, to engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City. The purpose of the study is to allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation, thus facilaiting a fully informed debate on the matter. An InterDepartmental Steering Group was recently established to oversee this project.
This is an exploratory exercise, which will allow an informed debate to take place on the implications, and indeed the practality, of responding to the calls to relocate out of the current location. For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to reiterate that Government has made no decision to relocate the Defence Forces from Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Representative Associations and other stakeholders, including civilian employees, will be kept appraised of progress.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (52)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:52. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the military and other equipment and supplies that Ireland is intending to give to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland does not intend to provide any military equipment directly to Ukraine.
The full package of military assistance for Ukraine is worth some €500 million, of which €450 million is for lethal equipment and €50 for non-lethal equipment, including items such as helmets, body armour, fuel and First Aid Kits, as specifically requested by the Ukraine Government. Ireland will pay our full share of approximately €10 million towards these non-lethal elements.
The Taoiseach also announced over the weekend that the government will provide a further €10 million in humanitarian aid, adding to the €10 million agreed last week.
Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 8.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (54)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:54. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on and response to the assertion in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces that the 2012 reorganisation led to a number of anomalies including reduced personnel numbers in the two largest urban centres and career progression opportunities being heavily skewed towards the eastern region. [13338/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current two Brigade structure was introduced in 2012 following a reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. The previous three Brigade structure, which was originally introduced for a PDF strength of 11,500 personnel, could not be sustained within that lower strength level and would have been significantly at variance with international norms within that strength level.
Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of understrength units into a smaller number of larger units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
The current strength of the PDF is just under 8,500 personnel, which is significantly less than that intended for the two Brigade structure. A key aspect of the terms of reference for the Commission on the Defence Forces was to consider the most appropriate structures for the Defence Forces.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published and the report contains 69 main recommendations and, together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations in total. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The Report recommends further work on the identification of suitable Army structures.
As the Report contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (55)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:55. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications made by persons from counties Cavan and Monaghan to join the Defence Forces in each of the past five recruitment campaigns; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table details the total number of applications received from counties Cavan and Monaghan, for Cadet, General Service Recruit and Direct Entry competitions during the past five recruitment campaigns (years).
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Cavan |
132 |
99 |
140 |
110 |
76 |
|
Monaghan |
86 |
61 |
76 |
74 |
36 |
|
Total |
218 |
160 |
216 |
184 |
112 |
The applications detailed in the table above resulted in the following inductions:
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
5 |
9 |
12 |
13 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
Total |
15 |
9 |
14 |
15 |
15 |
Applicants do not proceed with their applications for a number of reasons e.g.
- Not having the required qualifications or not forwarding proof of such qualifications.
- Not attending, or being unsuccessful, at the various inductions stages. For applicants who do not show for a stage of the induction process, the Defence Forces remain proactive in attempting to re-arrange times etc.
- Not obtaining Garda security clearance
The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted in 2022 with the targeting of General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 51.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 5.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (58)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the implementation of the recommendations from the recently published report by the Commission on the Defence Forces; the timeframe for same; the indicative budget for defence for the remainder of 2022 and in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on the 9th February. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
As the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
On an annual basis, the overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Eireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions). Funding for 2023 will set out in Budget 2023.
Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan. The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million per annum provided for 2022 and 2023 and €142 million per annum for 2024 and 2025. Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding certainty now provided by the National Development Plan is welcome, as it will enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 8.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (60)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:60. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status and readiness of the Naval Service. [13334/22]
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. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. I am advised that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.
On any given patrol day the Naval Service can carry out a number of taskings on behalf of other State agencies such as the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
The Naval Service has nine ships. Two ships, LÉ Orla and LÉ Eithne, are currently in operational reserve but can be called upon for surge operations in times of national emergency, as was the case when LÉ Eithne was deployed to Cork City in 2020 in support of Operation Fortitude and the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. LÉ Eithne acted as a forward logistics base and training platform in support of the HSE. Of the remaining seven ships, one is in the process of a mid-life re-fit which is expected to last 18 - 24 months. There are six ships currently available for operations at present.
At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
The operational patrol profile of the ships cannot be discussed in detail due to the security implications to ongoing operations, however, Naval Operations Command operate a rotating patrol schedule to maintain a constant presence in the Irish EEZ.
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, and the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel (MRV). The 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.
Projects for other vessel replacements, such as the replacement of the Coastal Patrol Vessels, the LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla will be 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. These ships will be replaced with similar sized vessels with countermine and counter-IED capabilities.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Commission on the Defence Forces recently published their report on the 9th February 2022. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
It is anticipated that this process will take at least four to five months in order to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to Government to address the fundamental issues that the Commission have set out.
I can assure the Deputy that notwithstanding current challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.
European Union
Ceisteanna (61)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the input he and officials from his Department have had in the preparation of the EU Strategic Compass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Strategic Compass is an exercise intended to provide enhanced political and strategic direction for EU security and defence policy for the next five to ten years. The latest draft of the Strategic Compass sets out an analysis of the strategic environment and, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multipolar world and the strategic implications for the EU. The recent invasion of Ukraine shows the value of having such a strategic document.
A first draft of the Compass document was presented to Foreign and Defence Ministers on 15 November 2021 . The draft followed on from several months of discussions at both political and official level, including during a “strategic dialogue” phase, which also saw the exchange and signature of numerous non-papers by Member States. A revised version was subsequently presented in January with a second revised version presented in February, each incorporating Member State suggested amendments and capturing recent events. A third revised version issued this week and is currently being discussed.
Officials from both the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs continue to work closely together on Ireland’s input to the Strategic Compass. Ireland’s full engagement in work on the Compass has been reflected in our co-signature of non-papers during the dialogue phase covering broad areas of the Compass’s work including Partnerships, Crisis Management, and Civilian CSDP. We also produced a paper on Force Generation, which presents a practical solution to the manpower issues faced by military CSDP missions. My officials continue to attend all relevant working group and other meetings to discuss the text of the Strategic Compass ahead of its planned adoption later this month.
Negotiations are continuing with discussions expected to take place on the third revised version this week, culminating at the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 March with the European Council expected to endorse the final product at its meeting on 24 March.