Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:30. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic policy unit of his Department. [26647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (30)
Freagraí scríofa
The Economic Policy Unit is part of the Economic Division of my Department. The Unit supports me, as Taoiseach, in delivering sustainable and balanced economic growth and in advancing the Government’s economic priorities, including through supporting the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment, and related Senior Officials Groups, and the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform.
The Unit advises me on significant national economic policy areas and issues including inflation, public finances, pensions, labour market reform, enterprise policy, insurance, and sectors including manufacturing, pharma, retail and hospitality. The Unit also provides me with briefing and speech material on economic and related policy issues.
The Unit coordinates Ireland’s participation in the European Semester process, including preparing the National Reform Programme, and is also responsible for liaison with the Central Statistics Office.
Questions Nos. 31 to 45, inclusive, resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (46)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:46. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with Members of the United States Senate and Congress. [28226/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 23 May, I welcomed a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Richard E. Neal, for a meeting at Government Buildings. The bipartisan delegation comprised nine members of Congress. The majority of the delegation sit on the House Ways and Means Committee, including Chairman Neal, and ranking minority member Kevin Brady.
Our meeting in Government Buildings was an opportunity for a broad-ranging discussion covering Northern Ireland and Brexit, international support for Ukraine, and Ireland-US bilateral relations.
I welcome the continued, unequivocal support of the US Administration and Congress, in particular for the Good Friday Agreement, including in the context of the impacts of Brexit in Northern Ireland.
Questions Nos. 47 to 54, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (55)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:55. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Taoiseach if a person from his Department is currently seconded to the university or third-level education sector. [26205/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
No staff of my Department are currently seconded to the university or third-level sector.
Questions Nos. 56 to 67, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 68 to 72, inclusive, answered orally.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (73)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:73. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence his vision for Ireland’s ultimate future role in European defence projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34164/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s participation in European defence policy takes place within the framework of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which sets the EU’s policy in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States.
CSDP provides the EU with the capacity to undertake peacekeeping and conflict prevention missions and to strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. It is a fundamental part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN. We have always taken the view that it is essential to remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contribute fully to the development of the policy in order to positively influence its evolution. For example, I was and my officials were fully engaged in the negotiations on the recently adopted Strategic Compass, which is seen by Ireland as a means of setting out the EU’s shared strategic vision for CSDP and with a view to enhancing the role of the EU as a security provider which contributes effectively to international peace and security.
Within the EU, it is accepted that Defence is a national competence and any decisions, including any deepening of EU cooperation, require unanimity. Through our participation in CSDP initiatives like Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the Coordinated Annual Review of Defence (CARD), Ireland continues to have a strong and equal voice on defence issues within the EU institutions and to meet any commitments agreed as part of our participation in such initiatives.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence states that Ireland’s participation in CSDP and the associated structures, institutions and initiatives is key, from a defence perspective, to the maintenance of Ireland’s security and defence interest.
Ireland’s participation in future European defence projects should continue to align the capability needs of the Defence Forces with what is on offer through the European Defence Agency, PESCO and any other defence initiative available to us.
Questions Nos. 74 to, 81, inclusive, answered orally.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (82)
John Brady
Ceist:82. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current status regarding Irish troops stationed in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34175/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In March 2022, the Government approved the continued deployment of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUTM Mali up to March 2023. Defence Forces personnel are primarily deployed at Koulikoro and Bamako, but deploy as part of Combined Mobile Advisory Training Teams within Mali.
EUTM Mali is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. Ireland has participated in this training mission since its launch in 2013.
In April 2022, EU Foreign Ministers approved the reversible, temporary suspension of the training activities of EUTM Mali to the Malian Armed Forces and Malian National Guard. This followed allegations of violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by armed terrorist groups and Malian Armed Forces accompanied by Russian affiliated forces. As a consequence of this development, a number of troop contributing countries are planning to reduce troop strength in EUTM Mali or withdraw from the mission. Irish Defence Force participation in the EUTM Mali mission is currently under review, both in relation to the strength of our deployment and the safety and security of Irish personnel.
With regard to MINUSMA, Government and Dáil approval was received in June 2019 for the deployment of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Forces to participate in this mission for a two year period. Defence Forces personnel first deployed to MINUSMA in September 2019 as part of a joint deployment with German Armed Forces. The Government subsequently agreed to extend that deployment by one more year through to the end of September 2022.
Irish personnel continue to be deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in Gao and at MINUSMA HQ in Bamako, where they carry out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. The Army Ranger Wing team carry out surveillance and intelligence gathering operations as part of their remit. Irish personnel in Gao are embedded with the larger German Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Company and benefit from the security and force protection effort that is in place to protect the full Company. Defence Forces participation in this mission will conclude in September 2022.
As with all overseas operations, the security situation in Mali is monitored by the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (83)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:83. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his latest engagement with a group (details supplied). [34159/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality.
As the Deputy is aware, there was extensive engagement with the Women of Honour Group and other stakeholders, on the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces. Without question, the engagements raised very serious concerns and I wish to pay tribute to all parties, including Women of Honour, for the courage they displayed in sharing their experiences.
The last meeting with the Women of Honour Group, took place earlier this year on 25 January where I provided an update on the Government decision to proceed with the Independent Review, and on the agreed Terms of Reference. This was the seventh meeting at senior official level held with the Women of Honour Group, three of which I personally attended.
The experiences shared and the views recieved from all parties informed the Terms of Reference for the Judge-led Independent Review, which was approved by Governmnent on 25th January last.
The work of the Independent Review Group is well underway. I had a very fruitful meeting with the members, namely, Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, Ms. Jane Williams and Mr. Mark Connaughton, on 25 April last and plan to meet them again in the coming weeks.
I would continue to strongly encourage all stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group and serving members, who have yet to do so, to engage with the Independent Review Group, as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward. The Independent Review Group is continuing to accept submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference.
The Government recognises the need to allow the Independent Review Group to do its work as a critical and necessary step. These assurances have been relayed to the Women of Honour Group.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (84)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:84. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence his considerations to immediately address the staffing issues in the Irish Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service which are presenting ongoing challenges. In response to these challenges, I approved a comprehensive Naval Service Regeneration Plan in 2021 which is being progressed and monitored by a high-level civil/military team.
The aim of the Plan is to address the issues facing the Naval Service in the context of Human Resources, Operational Capacity, and Infrastructure. A number of the staffing measures in the plan have been implemented and these include:
- The seagoing service commitment scheme, introduced in January 2021, aimed at retaining experienced personnel and incentivising sea-going duties. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to this Scheme.
- Revision of terms and conditions for certain specialists which resulted in the age limit for Naval Service technicians being increased from 27 to 29 years of age. In addition flexibility in respect of the starting pay for Marine Engineering Officers was introduced and is being progressed for certain other Naval Service specialists.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment capacity and introducing measures to return to, and maintain, the establishment strength in the Naval Service and the Defence Forces as a whole.
Such measures include ensuring that, in addition to ongoing traditional recruitment, the scope of direct entry competitions is kept under consideration. Of the 12 direct entry competitions being utilised in 2022, 8 are in respect of the Naval Service. The campaign to re-enlist and re-commission former members of the Permanent Defence Force has also boosted specialist numbers.
In relation to retention, there has been significant progress on pay arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations along with increases from recent pay agreements. In addition to the Naval Service commitment scheme, which followed from the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps., a tax credit for sea going Naval Service personnel is another example of targeted measures I introduced.
The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects.
Furthermore, consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is ongoing. I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those 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 restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to the current agreed strength and in that context, as outlined above, significant work has been, and continues to be, undertaken.
Question No. 85 answered orally.
European Union
Ceisteanna (86)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:86. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the most recent meeting of European Union Defence Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34206/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 92 together.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the most recent Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers' format in Brussels on 17th May of this year. Ireland was, on this occasion, represented by Ireland's PSC Ambassador along with Department of Defence officials.
There were two items on the agenda; the implementation of the Strategic Compass in respect of CSDP missions and operations and a discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine.
These discussions helped prepare the informal exchange of views over lunch with the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov (who participated by VTC) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. This exchange allowed Member States to receive a first-hand account of military developments in Ukraine and demonstrate continued and unwavering transatlantic solidarity with the Ukrainian people and government. Defence Ministers also received a short Current Affairs briefing which provided an update on the latest developments in Ukraine and in the Sahel, with a particular focus on Mali. Sweden and Finland also took the opportunity to formally advise of their intention to apply for NATO membership.
In advance of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format, Ireland also participated in a meeting of the European Defence Agency Steering Board. Delegates exchanged views on the direction of EU leaders in Versailles to the Commission to prepare, in coordination with the EDA, an analysis of the EU defence investment gaps, and in particular on the EDA’s preliminary analysis. The steering board also approved the establishment of a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) within the EDA.
The EU response to the war in Ukraine remains a matter of the highest priority both to my EU counterparts and to me. Ukraine is discussed in all manner of fora and is expected to remain a high priority topic on all meeting agendas in the future. The situation in Ukraine was also discussed extensively at the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (FAC), which took place in Brussels on the previous day and in which I took a full part.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (87)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the parameters for Ireland joining European defence projects into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34168/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s engagement with European defence policy takes place within the framework of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which sets the EU’s policy in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States.
The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provides the EU with the capacity to undertake peacekeeping and conflict prevention missions and to strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
Ireland’s participation in European defence projects is founded on the need to develop capabilities to ensure our Defence Forces can participate in peacekeeping missions, increase the level of interoperability between member States and to maintain Ireland’s security and defence interests.
Within the EU, it is accepted that the area of defence and security is a national competence. The treaties require that the EU respects the specific and different policies of member states in the area of security and defence and Ireland continues to have an equal voice on defence and security issues within the EU institutions.
Indeed, during the course of the evolution of the CSDP, our EU partners have always fully respected Ireland’s sovereignty, independence and neutrality. The legal guarantees given by the European Council in June 2009 confirmed that the EU’s security and defence policy does not affect or prejudice Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
The Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007 underpins Ireland’s participation in certain European Defence Agency projects and sets out the requirement for Government and Dáil approval. The Programme for Governments states the need for Government and Dáil approval in relation to Ireland’s participation in PESCO projects. I don't anticipate any change in this approach.
Common Security and Defence Policy
Ceisteanna (88)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:88. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the benefits that Ireland has received from joining PESCO since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
PESCO is a mechanism provided for in the Treaty of the European Union to enable participating Member States to come together and, on a project-by-project basis, jointly develop military crisis management capabilities for use in support of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions in support of international peace and security.
A total of 60 projects has been established under PESCO since it was established. Ireland is currently participating in one project: the Greek led ‘Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance’ and has confirmed Observer status on a further nine projects. Of the nine projects on which we are currently observing, Dáil approval will shortly be sought to move to participant level on four of these (this will be debated in the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on the 30 June and is scheduled to return to the Dáil on the 5 July).
Ireland will only participate in projects that “contribute to the enhancement of capabilities for UN mandated missions engaged in peace keeping, conflict prevention or the strengthening of international security in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations”.
PESCO projects are no different to any other defence project, they complement and add value to the work the Defence Forces undertake when serving in operations and enables them to further develop their capabilities in support of peacekeeping through participation in joint projects with like-minded partners. Joint projects should also drive down the costs of developing and procuring capabilities.
The deployment of those capabilities on any operation remains a matter for national decision making by the individual Member States.
The benefits for Ireland participating in PESCO include increased interoperability with other EU Member States, increased opportunities for capability development, and access to research and technology. Through Ireland's engagement in PESCO projects, the Defence Forces have the opportunity to engage in the development of capabilities that we simply cannot develop on our own.
Question No. 89 answered orally.