Paul Murphy
Ceist:107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence his views on Ireland joining a future European defence force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34167/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Policies
Ceisteanna (107)
Freagraí scríofa
To date, no formal proposal has been made in relation to the establishment of a European defence force. I should emphasise that defence and security remain a national competence and any decision to deepen EU defence cooperation requires unanimity. There is no provision in EU treaties for the creation of an EU army and no proposal has been set out to change this. Therefore, any such proposal would require treaty change and no such change has been proposed.
Moreover, during the course of the evolution of the EU’s 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 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.
Recently, an overview and proposed timelines of the implementation of the Strategic Compass was shared with Member States. While discussions continue on the actions and associated proposed timelines, it should be noted that the 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. 108 answered orally.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (109)
Cathal Berry
Ceist:109. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the first member of the Reserve Defence Force to deploy overseas on a six-month tour of duty on a United Nations mandated peace support operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the primary roles allocated to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) have thus far, been to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations and to contribute to State ceremonial events.
Heretofore, there was no provision in the Defence Acts to allow RDF personnel to be deployed overseas. However, 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 and where it is in the best interests of the PDF.
I have written to the Chief of Staff seeking his advice on these matters as they pertain to the requirements of the PDF.
In tandem, the practical arrangements to implement the amendment, including all the elements associated with the voluntary service by RDF members overseas, are under active consideration by my officials and the military authorities. Furthermore, my officials will also be actively consulting with RDFRA, the Representative Association for the RDF on these matters at the appropriate juncture.
The outcome of these deliberations, and the advice of the Chief of Staff, will inform my consideration of these matters. The Deputy will appreciate therefore that I do not wish to comment further pending the outcome of this process.
Separately, and on foot of the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021, I engaged with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) on the issue of employment protection for RDF members who might be engaged in such voluntary military service in support of the PDF going forward.
Engagement at official level with DETE has continued since then to consider the matter and identify appropriate next steps. This body of work is ongoing.
Finally, as the Deputy will also be aware, the Report of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, published in February of this year, includes proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF. There has been a process underway to consider the full set of recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. I intend to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (110)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:110. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence when the European Working Time Directive will be implemented for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have advised the House earlier, the Defence Forces are currently excluded from the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive into Irish Law. The Government, however, has committed to amending this Act and bringing both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána within the scope of its provisions, where appropriate.
The Working Time Directive, recognises the specific nature of certain military activities and allows for derogations or exemptions of such activities. Extensive work undertaken by civil and military management has determined that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive. However, it has also been determined that there are some activities which may qualify for an exemption due to their very specific nature.
I understand that ongoing deliberations by civilian and military management on the wider implementation of Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces are at an advanced stage and nearing conclusion.
The deliberations between civilian and military management, are being informed by the interpretation of recent European Case Law on military service, the fundamental requirement to ensure that rights are afforded to serving members, and the requirement to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfill their essential state functions. As the Deputy will appreciate, these are complex matters.
I am assured that the outcome of those deliberations, including with regard to possible exemptions for certain activities, will be fully aligned with the provisions of the EU Working Time Directive and case law on these matters.
As the Deputy may be aware, a sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) was established to discuss matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive, where appropriate. Arising from those discussions, a number of amended practices regarding compensatory rest have been introduced.
This builds upon existing work practices relating to compensatory rest which comply with the Directive. Consultation on the outcome of the deliberations by civilian and military management on the wider implementation of Working Time Directive will be undertaken through the mechanism of the Conciliation and Arbitration Sub-Committee in the very near future.
My Department will thereafter engage with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, who are the lead Department responsible for drafting any necessary amendments to primary legislation.
I can assure the Deputy that the health and safety of personnel in the Defence Forces remains a priority for myself and the Chief of Staff and we remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied throughout the Defence Forces.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (111)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Army barracks such as Dún Úi Neill, Cavan a modern army facility which was closed in 2012 in view of the changed security situation in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. 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.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged 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 before the Summer recess.
One of the Report's recommendations is that the structure of the Army be reviewed and, in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion on this matter prior to completion of the ongoing process, Government approval of any proposed plan of action, and completion of any subsequent reviews that may ensue.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (112)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a copy of the review of operations following reports of alleged atrocities committed by the Mali Armed Forces; if so, if any involvement of Irish military was found and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has received a copy of the most recent review of EU engagement in Mali, the 2022 'Holistic Strategic Review of EUTM Mali and EUCAP SAHEL Mali' which was circulated in May of this year. The purpose of this review was to carry out an interim assessment of the Missions' achievements against their political, strategic and operational objectives and tasks as 2022 marks the mid point of the current EUTM Mali mandate.
EU Member States decided in PSC on 05 April 2022 to temporarily suspend the provision of operational training to formed units of the Malian armed forces and National Guard, as a reversible measure in order to prevent any reputational risk due to Malian defence and security forces trained by the EU falling under the control or engaging along with Russia-affiliated forces. The EU is engaged in Mali with the entire toolbox that the Integrated Approach offers.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 102.
Cybersecurity Policy
Ceisteanna (114)
John Paul Phelan
Ceist:114. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Defence the measures that his Department has taken to improve its resilience in terms of cyber-attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department implements a programme of continuous review in relation to ICT security in order to keep up to date with current threat levels given that cyber security is a multi-faceted challenge that is constantly evolving.
In line with best practice, the Department of Defence fully cooperates and collaborates with and takes guidance from Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
In 2020, my Department migrated its core IT infrastructure to the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' shared service. An Information Security Management System (ISMS) has been established within the OGCIO that has been certified as meeting the requirements of ISO27001:2013. The ISMS provides an overall governance framework for information security of which cyber security is a key element.
My Department places a high priority on cyber security and implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. The defence-in-depth security strategy is achieved through the effective combination of people, processes, and technology to support the implementation of appropriate security measures and provisions. From an operational and security perspective, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific details of measures taken in relation to cyber security.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (115)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to implement changes for the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces; if the upgrading of existing army accommodation and the provision of additional accommodation will be included in such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. 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.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged 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 before the Summer recess.
That being said, I can advise the Deputy that in Military Installations across the country, there are capital works projects taking place with the sole aim of ensuring infrastructure, including accommodation, in the Defence Forces is modernised to allowed our Military personnel to fulfil their demanding roles.
These works are carried out under the auspices of the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme (IDP) which was published in January 2020. There are currently over €85m worth of projects underway at various stages of development from design to construction.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (116)
Cathal Berry
Ceist:116. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the number of advanced paramedics and paramedics in the Defence Forces in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; if this decline in numbers is compromising the safety of Ireland’s troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The numbers of those with paramedic/advanced paramedic qualifications in the Defence Forces is as follows:
|
Qualification |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (to date) |
Remarks |
|
Advanced Paramedic (AP) |
10 |
11 |
15 |
13 |
12 |
|
|
Paramedic |
38 |
35 |
21 |
22 |
30 |
Three (3) on AP course |
|
Total |
48 |
46 |
36 |
35 |
42 |
|
The disposition of the medical service in the Defence Forces is not compromising the safety of Ireland’s troops, which, in addition to primary medical care provided by Medical Officers and contracted civilian doctors, is supplemented by Advanced Paramedics, Paramedics, Combat Medical Technicians, and Emergency Medical Technicians. It should be noted that there are no specific appointments for these specialities within the Chief of Staff’s Administrative Instruction CS4 establishment, which provides only for 3* Medics. Medic vacancies arising are filled, as appropriate, by individuals possessing the qualifications required to comply, with standards set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Work is ongoing to define the future requirements for such positions to regularise and optimise the provision of medical care to Defence Forces personnel.
Furthermore, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force, free-of-charge, and for Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service this extends to the provision of private hospital treatment and referrals to private consultants. 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 to bring forward proposals on this matter and its report is imminent.
The health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel continues to be a priority for me.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (117, 120, 124)
David Stanton
Ceist:117. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits who have enlisted in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34043/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current position in regard to increasing the strength of all branches of the Defence Forces without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34153/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Paul Phelan
Ceist:124. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Defence the measures that his Department is taking to actively address staffing issues within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33758/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 120 and 124 together.
I have previously acknowledged the ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces. A number of initiatives are presently being implemented to tackle these challenges.
In respect of recruitment, there is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment. The scope and terms and conditions of the direct entry competitions remains under consideration. As of 31 May 2022, 110 personnel have been inducted. 104 of those inducted were General Service Recruits comprised of 98 Army personnel and 6 Naval Service personnel. The Air Corps does not recruit General Service recruits directly but transfers such recruits from the Army.
Retention measures implemented include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report and from recent pay agreements. Other, non-pay, PSPC recommendations have also 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, efforts will remain focused on restoring all Branches of the Defence Forces to the current agreed strength, facilitated by ongoing staffing initiatives
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (118)
David Stanton
Ceist:118. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits who have enlisted in the Reserve Defence Forces in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government remains absolutely committed to the advancement of the RDF. 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.
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 severely impacted by the COVID-19 public health pandemic. Nevertheless, 41 new members were inducted during 2021. A recruitment drive for the RDF was launched earlier this year and, as at 22 June, 37 additional new members have been inducted thus far 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.
The process to consider the full set of recommendations in the Report, in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders is almost completed and I intend, before the Summer recess, , to bring to Government, significant proposals encompassed in a high-level action plan.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (119)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:119. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish peacekeepers currently serving overseas; the number posted to the various countries concerned; the details of the typical duration of postings for individual soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 1 June 2022, Ireland is contributing 546 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 323 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 130 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Duration of postings are typically between 6 and 12 months, depending on where members of the Defence Forces are assigned. Certain HQ and staff appointments can be for longer periods. Additionally, a number of family friendly overseas appointments for commissioned and enlisted personnel have been introduced, whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in shorter 3-month deployments.
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS As of 1 June 2022
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 120th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 310 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 65th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
6 124 |
|
TOTAL |
482 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
523 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
546 |
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations
Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 117.
Maritime Jurisdiction
Ceisteanna (121)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:121. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Defence the number foreign military exercises that have been held off the Irish Coast by country since 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Military exercises or manoeuvres are traditionally recognized as being a part of the freedom of the high seas as captured in article 87 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These rights are transcribed directly into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of coastal states.
Under international law, including UNCLOS, states are entitled to carry out naval exercises in another state’s EEZ. It is not unusual for naval ships or vessels of other States to carry out training exercises within the Irish EEZ or to passage through this area. This is not in any way an infringement of our national territory.
Where a proposed military activity in the high seas will impact on airspace, there is a requirement to inform the State responsible for the provision of Air Traffic Services in that airspace of the activity. For Irish airspace over high seas, the Irish Aviation Authority will be informed, and will then issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) detailing the activity.
While foreign militaries are not obliged in most cases to inform the coastal authorities of their proposed activities, the Naval Service has collated some data in relation to encounters with foreign navies in the Irish EEZ over the past number years. However, I will not be releasing any specific details in relation to activities of foreign militaries that are held by the Defence Forces. I can confirm that encounters with foreign militaries in the Irish EEZ include sightings, planned visits to Ireland and hailing for information gathering.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (122)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:122. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have been recruited by his Department since 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of civil servants recruited by my Department from 2015 to date are as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Civil Servants Recruited |
|
2015 |
14 |
|
2016 |
25 |
|
2017 |
31 |
|
2018 |
49 |
|
2019 |
40 |
|
2020 |
30 |
|
2021 |
48 |
|
up to 21 June 2022 |
21 |
|
Total |
258 |
Included in the 391 total staff figure are 15 civil servants who are employed by the Department to work exclusively within the Defence Forces at a number of Defence Forces installations. Of these 15 personnel, 11 have been recruited since 2015.
The Department employs civilian employees also at various military installations to support the work of the Defence Forces.
The number of Civilian Employees recruited by my Department from 2015 to date are as follows:
|
Year |
No. Of Civilian Employees Recruited |
|
2015 |
3 |
|
2016 |
24 |
|
2017 |
17 |
|
2018 |
8 |
|
2019 |
48 |
|
2020 |
32 |
|
2021 |
20 |
|
To date in 2022 |
12 |
|
Total |
164 |
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (123)
John Brady
Ceist:123. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the convention that is in place in the event of the Naval Service purchasing new vessels for the naming of these vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Naming of new vessels and commissioning ceremonies are carried out prior to vessels joining the Naval Service fleet. The tradition, following the establishment of the Naval Service, was to name vessels after Irish female mythological figures. In 2013, the then Minister instructed that a review of the naming policy should be undertaken and following that review the Minister came to the view that the naming of the ships after world renowned Irish literary figures reflected a more modern and inclusive Ireland.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. It is expected that the two Inshore Patrol Vessels, recently purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works. While a project is underway to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with a multi-role vessel, it is expected to take a number of years before that vessel is delivered in to service. Decisions relating to the naming of vessels that join the Naval Service fleet at dates in the future have yet to be taken.
Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 117.