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Thursday, 12 May 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-30

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (13)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

13. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of persons who join the Reserve Defence Forces; if he will consider a more ambitious programme to recruit more persons into the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23715/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

The RDF has an establishment of 4,069, with a current strength of 1,494 for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, and 271 for the First Line reserve, which accounts for 43% of the establishment figure.

The ability to conduct RDF inductions in recent years was severely impacted by the COVID-19 public health pandemic. Nevertheless, 76 applications to join the RDF were received in 2021. 41 additional new members were inducted during 2021, accounting for a 54% success rate.

I am advised by the military authorities that a more streamlined process is in place with regard to the recruitment and induction process for the RDF. To date in 2022, following the launch of an RDF competition, 832 applications have been received and are under consideration by the Military Authorities. In line with the focus on the recovery phase of the COVID-19 response, induction training can now be facilitated. 23 additional new members have been inducted into the AR so far this year, with further induction training planned to commence shortly.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is and should remain a priority. I would add 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 it is hoped that the more streamlined processes now in place will yield positive outcomes.

The Deputy will be aware of the recent publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces containing many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF.

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.

The Deputy will also be aware that 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.

I wish to reiterate again that the Government remains committed to the RDF, with continued support for the requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (14)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

14. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force in each of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to reiterate that the Government remains absolutely committed to the advancement of the RDF. The White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and that requirement will be addressed.

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 March 2022, is set out below:

Service

Total Effective Personnel

Army Reserve

1380

Naval Reserve

114

First Line Reserve

271

While the commitment to restoring the strength of the RDF is not in doubt, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will continue to be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

I should add that the ability to conduct RDF inductions during 2021 was however severely impacted by the COVID-19 public health pandemic. Nevertheless, 41 additional new members were inducted during 2021. In addition, a RDF recruitment drive was launched earlier this year and there have been 23 inductions to date in 2022.

The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published last January, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF.

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.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (15)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

15. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the way that Ireland’s defence spending as a share of national income compares with other neutral members of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23497/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Expenditure on the Defence Forces is managed through Vote 36 - Defence, with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Vote 36 - Defence provides funding for the pay and allowances of members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Departmental staff, ongoing Defence Forces operational and standing costs, the acquisition of military equipment along with the development of Defence Forces built infrastructure. It also provides funding for Civil Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society. Separately, Vote 35 provides for expenditure on Military Pensions.

On an annual basis, the Defence Group budget is determined within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Éireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan.

International comparison of military expenditure are made difficult by the lack of publicly available data, and by the breadth of difference between nations in their international security and defence policies. In addition, there is no EU requirement for Ireland to achieve any specific percentage of GDP target in relation to Defence expenditure. It should also be noted that the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in introducing Modified Gross National Income (GNI*), have recognised that the figures for Ireland’s GDP are significantly impacted by the effects of globalisation.

As such, the international perspective is best used for context rather than comparison between militaries.

Against that background and using the latest data published by the European Defence Agency, details on defence spending as a % of national income across EU Member States in 2020 indicates the level of Irish expenditure on defence, at 0.5% of GNI*, is lower than other neutral1 EU states such as Austria, Sweden, Finland, Malta, and Cyprus.

However, it is worth noting that within the resources allocated to Defence, the Defence Forces make a significant contribution to domestic security, provide a broad range of supports to the civil authorities, undertake roles such as Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) and fishery protection and are widely respected for their contribution to international peace and security. Ireland provides a level of support to the UN that, relative to the size of our Defence Forces, exceeds that of many countries. For this, we can be justifiably proud.

I fully acknowledge there is an ongoing requirement to consider whether the capabilities we maintain are appropriate, having regard to the security environment, the roles that we wish the Defence Forces to undertake, and likely risks. That is precisely why I established the Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission’s report contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these. This necessarily requires widespread consultations. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me at this time to pre-empt an ongoing deliberative process.

1 defined as EU Non-NATO MS.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (16)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

16. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the defence supports that he has sanctioned for Ukraine; and if further supports will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23502/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland is continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and we continue to assert Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

My Department, Civil Defence, and the Defence Forces have been providing a number of supports for Ukraine.

While Ireland has constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package to support Ukraine, we are paying our full share (€33 million) and our funding will go to non-lethal elements, consistent with the terms of the Programme for Government. The Department of Defence has provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour, which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to Ukraine.

Following a request from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, lands at Gormanston, Co. Meath have been made available for emergency accommodation and a reception centre, The facility is now ready for operation with an initial capacity of 320 with 24 hours notice. Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, has also now been made available to Kerry County Council at their request to accommodate Ukrainian nationals.

My Department is also engaging with OPW and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs regarding the possibility of using Ratra House in the Phoenix Park to accommodate Ukrainian nationals

The Defence Forces have provided logistical support to the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, and to the Irish Red Cross in progressing the pledges of accommodation received.

From the middle of March, Civil Defence units across the country have been involved in supporting Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. This has included setting up and operating temporary rest centres in 21 local authority areas around the country. They have also transported Ukrainians to and from their accommodation and to meetings for school registration and medical appointments etc.

My Department will continue to engage across Government through the Senior Officials Group on the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, and the Humanitarian Crisis Housing Task Force in relation to any further requests for accommodation or other supports, that are required from the Defence Organisation.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (17)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

17. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken to ensure the health and well-being, particularly mental health, of Irish Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23833/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for my Department. A wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force including an annual medical examination, sick parades, GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges and routine dental treatment.

In addition, Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service may also avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established with a view to bringing forward proposals on this matter.

In the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts, these personnel, and any accompanying dependents are provided with global comprehensive medical insurance for which a formal arrangement is in place with a health insurance provider. This involves the organisation paying the difference between a basic minimum payment and the cost of the global plan.

The provision of this range of benefits is unique in the public and indeed the private sectors, and they are exempt from benefit-in-kind taxation.

A range of medical and non-medical mental health supports are also provided to Defence Forces personnel. This includes in-house access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services, provided by two full-time clinical psychologists and one full-time consultant psychiatrist.

In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families.

The Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for the Defence Forces, which was launched by me in December 2020, recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for the personnel of the Defence Forces through the adoption of a series of measures between 2020 and 2023.

As additional support, the Department of Defence has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors.

The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.

While I am satisfied that the measures taken to ensure the health and well-being of Defence Forces personnel are comprehensive, I can assure the Deputy that they are kept under constant review.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (18)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

18. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if the current pay scales in the Defence Forces are having an impact on the attractiveness for potential applicants. [23670/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that a range of actions have been taken to address recruitment issues in the Defence Forces. These include a number of projects undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces.

The recent Report of the Commission on Defence Forces makes a range of recommendations in this area, which will all be considered. The Report proposes significant changes, including the level of Defence provision in Ireland and recommendations in relation to capacity components required to achieve that provision. This includes, inter alia, consideration of morale, recruitment and retention matters. Following relevant consultation, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

In the interim, my focus remains on retaining/restoring all branches of the Defence Forces at their full capacity and significant work has been undertaken to date, and such work continues, but it will take time to see the full effect of the measures introduced.

Specifically in terms of pay scales, the Deputy is aware that 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.

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 Force’s allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

Based on the 2021 Q4 Preliminary Estimates of the CSO’s Average weekly earnings by the public sector sub-sector, it is also worth noting that weekly earnings in the Defence sector compare very well to counterparts elsewhere in the public sector. Defence personnel's weekly earnings, over the period Q4 2016 - Q4 2021, have risen by 25%. This places them squarely in mid-table – earning more on a weekly basis than their counterparts in the Health, Regional Bodies and Civil Service sub-sectors.

I, as Minister for Defence, remain committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed establishment figure for the Defence Force.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (19, 38)

John Brady

Ceist:

19. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the details of the current security situation in the Sahel region; if there are any plans for Irish troops to return to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23756/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

38. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will update Dáil Éireann on the situation surrounding the Army Ranger Wing in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23593/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 38 together.

Ireland currently has Defence Forces personnel deployed in two (2) separate missions in Mali, which is part of the Sahel region. In addition to Mali, the Sahel region also comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger.

The Government has approved the continued deployment of up to 14 Defence Forces personnel to participate in MINUSMA, the United Nations authorised operation in Mali, up until 30 September 2022, when our commitment concludes. Currently, there are 2 officers deployed in MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako and an additional 12 personnel, including members of the Army Ranger Wing, deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO, Mali. All deployed personnel are embedded with a larger German company and are carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate.

In addition, twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed with the EU mission to train the Malian Armed Forces in Mali, known as EUTM Mali. EUTM Mali complements other EU projects and activities carried out in the context of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.

The Government is deeply concerned about the security situation in Mali, which is kept under constant review by the Defence Forces, particularly in relation to the safety and security of Irish personnel and by reference to the prevailing threat assessment.

Recent months have seen a very serious deterioration in the security and human rights situations in the Centre of Mali. There have been a number of incidents in recent weeks where it has been reported that civilians have been killed following operations by Malian armed forces, reportedly operating alongside Wagner Group personnel.

The Malian authorities continue to officially deny the presence of the Wagner Group in the country, despite reports that up to 1,000 personnel associated with the Russian backed mercenary group have been deployed to the country and are engaged in joint operations with the Malian armed forces, with an operational focus in the centre of the country.

The Department of Defence reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas on an ongoing basis. Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 8.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (21, 30)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

21. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the improvement of pay and conditions for the Defence Forces. [23669/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James O'Connor

Ceist:

30. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence the work that his Department is undertaking to address ongoing pay and conditions concerns with the Defences Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23754/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 30 together.

The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. As the Deputy is aware, 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.

- 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 Force’s allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. 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 these recommendations is required. This involves significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials are currently engaging with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan.

The Defence Forces Representative Associations, namely PDFORRA and RACO, will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation relating to the implementation of any approved plan.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (22, 23, 25)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

22. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits who have joined the Defence Forces to date in 2022; the number who have left; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23498/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Lahart

Ceist:

23. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence if any new retention initiatives are being undertaken in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Stanton

Ceist:

25. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the aptitude tests that are undertaken by those applying for membership of the Defence Forces; the company or companies that administer these tests; the percentage of applicants that fail these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22885/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 23 and 25 together.

I have previously acknowledged the ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces and to tackle these a range of recruitment and retention measures continue to be taken.

The Defence Forces continue to target General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians, and specialists for the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service. As of 30 April 2022, 110 personnel have been inducted. At that same date, 34 recruits had discharged from the Defence Forces in 2022.

In response to the deputy on psychometric testing, this testing forms part of the recruitment and candidate assessment process for General Service recruits, Air Corps Apprentices and Cadets. The military authorities have advised that, in 2021, there was 41% test failure rate associated with psychometric tests for Cadets and 60% for other recruitment. Two companies are involved in providing and administering these psychometric tests: Mindmill in respect of General Service Recruits and Cadets; and AON in respect of Air Corps Apprentices. The types of psychometric tests utilised include verbal, analytical, and abstract reasoning.

In relation to retention, in addition to pay increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report and from public sector pay agreements, a number of other initiatives have been introduced. For example, the service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit of €1,500 which has been extended into 2022.

I have also secured agreement to allow for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited 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. Currently, Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post-1994 may remain in service up to age 50 and it has been agreed that there shall be arrangements to facilitate the extension of these service limits.

As the deputies will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has made it clear that the level of ambition for the Defence Forces must be elevated beyond that at which it is operating at the moment. I have made it clear that I am actively seeking to build the strength of the PDF 11,500 in line with level of ambition 2. I intend therefore, before the summer recess, to revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 22.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (24, 58)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

24. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if the Russian invasion of Ukraine will lead to any further re-assessment of Ireland’s defence capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23504/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

58. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if the recommendation to increase defence spending by the Commission on the Defence Forces has come under further review in the context of war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23719/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 58 together.

Ireland's defence policy is set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015) and the White Paper Update (2019). Both the White Paper and the White Paper Update were based on security environment assessments carried out by interdepartmental groups. These threat assessments indicated a low probability of a conventional military attack on the state, and also point to the fact that security challenges are such that no single country can deal with these alone. The White Paper outlines the importance of the UN and EU in collective security and commits Ireland to fully supporting UN mandated peace support operations.

Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are 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 Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects, this rolling five year plan is iterative and will encompass new equipment projects as it develops.

The White Paper on Defence 2015 sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment 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 replacement of the Cessnas and Casa 235 fleets and the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carrier vehicles.

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 surveillance technology. Two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s are due to be delivered in 2023. As well as the upgrade to the Armoured personnel carriers 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles and 220 softskin vehicles are due for delivery in 2022.

The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published in February 2022. It is a substantial report running to over 180 pages and 69 main recommendations many of which have sub recommendations. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.

The Commission's report is being fully considered in the context of the current security environment, 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.

The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the current events in Ukraine are prompting an open debate and consideration of our defence requirements. I fully accept there is an ongoing requirement to consider whether the capabilities we maintain are appropriate, having regard to the security environment, the roles that we wish the Defence Forces to undertake, and likely risks.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 22.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (26)

Cathal Berry

Ceist:

26. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if there has been progress in honouring the outstanding pay adjudications from previous adjudicators of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23792/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations (RACO and PDFORRA), to engage with the Official side. Under the Scheme, and having regard to commitments under national public service pay agreements, the Representative Associations can make representations in relation to the pay and conditions of their members.

The C&A Scheme, which is independently chaired, consists of members of Representative Associations as well as the Official Side. The Official Side comprises of members of the Department of Defence (Civil and Military) and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The entire body is known as 'Council'.

At present I am aware that there is a claim before Council in respect of an outstanding adjudication pertaining to the Army Ranger Wing Allowance. As per the agreed Terms of Reference of the C&A Scheme, matters in this space are confidential to parties involved. As such, no further information can be given to the Deputy at this time. There is also litigation ongoing in respect of a number of outstanding adjudication matters. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further on these.

It is important also to note that 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 to members of the Defence Forces. Chapter 2 of the Agreement provides for the equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund. The purpose of this fund is to deal with outstanding adjudications, commitments, recommendations, awards and claims within the terms of the fund, and within the exchequer funding limit in place. All public servants covered by the agreement are encompassed by this process.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 10.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (28)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

28. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has investigated alleged far-right activism in the Defence Forces. [23442/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces gathers information for the protection of the security of the State and also for the force protection and security of the Defence Forces at home and abroad. Intelligence assessments are regularly produced on perceived and emerging security threats. The nature of intelligence activities is confidential; therefore, it would not be prudent to discuss such matters further.

The Constitution and the Defence Acts enshrine the governance of the Defence sector.

Under the provisions of the Defence Act, members of the Permanent Defence Force are prohibited from being members of a political organisation and members of the Reserve Defence Force are prohibited from political activities when called out on permanent service or when deployed on supplemental military service.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware that the Defence Forces have a Social Media Policy in place and personnel in breach of this policy are subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with Military Law.

European Union

Ceisteanna (29)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

29. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he supports the involvement of the Irish Defence Forces in any expanded European Union rapid reaction force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23817/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The recently approved 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 multi-polar world and the strategic implications for the EU.

Among the proposals contained in the Strategic Compass is the establishment of an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity of up to 5000 troops for different types of crises by 2025. The capacity is expected to consist of substantially modified EU Battlegroups and of pre-identified Member States’ military forces and capabilities.

While Ireland engaged with and inputted fully into the work on the Compass, discussions and decisions on further steps and modalities and the definition and agreement of any operational scenarios in relation to the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity have yet to take place.

Most recently, an overview and proposed timelines of the Implementation of the Strategic Compass was shared with Member States. While discussions continue on the timelines proposed, it should be noted that decision-making power in relation to the individual actions proposed in the Compass, remains a national competence. Nothing in the Compass prejudices the specific character of the security and defence policy of any Member State and this must remain the case through the implementation phase.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 21.
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