Written Answers Nos. 61-80
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions with his UK counterpart and the parties in Northern Ireland with the view to minimising the impact of Brexit and fluctuations on the British economy arising therefrom, with the view to maximising the element of north-south cooperation. [48660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecognising that Brexit would profoundly impact Northern Ireland, the UK and the European Union agreed through the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland arrangements for mitigating those impacts and protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions. The Protocol places Northern Ireland in a uniquely advantageous position, with access to both the EU’s single market as well as the UK market: real opportunities are already being realised by high-end manufacturers and dairy farmers, among others.
I have had sustained and detailed engagement with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Protocol. Most recently, I have had a call with the new Foreign Secretary, James Cleverley, and a meeting in Hillsborough Castle with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. Both these exchanges have been positive. Our focus must be on finding solutions around the movement of goods from Britain to Northern Ireland, which is the issue of most practical concern to people and businesses. Working together, we can maximise the benefits of the Protocol and address genuine concerns.
In terms of North South cooperation, the Deputy will be aware that it is a matter of serious concern that the work of the NSMC has been disrupted and impeded and that the Council has not been able to meet, in any of its configurations, since 2021.
In the absence of meetings of the NSMC, we are not able to have the important, regular discussions that should be taking place between the two Administrations on the island on the shared challenges that we are facing, and on opportunities to respond to those challenges in a coordinated way.
While much of the current political focus is understandably placed on ensuring that the Strand One institutions, the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, can resume their normal work, we also need to see the NSMC back in action without delay.
65. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider changing the criteria for persons to serve as ambassadors of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving State. Only serving civil servants, mostly based in the Department of Foreign Affairs, are considered for ambassadorial assignments. Civil servants are recruited through publicly advertised competitions administered in line with guidelines issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including bilateral and multilateral priorities. In addition, management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors are considered as part of the assignment process. Foreign language skills, where relevant, are also considered.
There are no current plans to change the criteria for appointing officers to serve as Ambassadors of Ireland.
66. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline any concerns he may have in relation to the suppression of the freedom of the media, civic society, and the arbitrary detention of opposition figures in Turkey at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49013/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned at the deteriorating Human Rights situation in Turkey and have raised this issue and Ireland’s concerns on a number of occasions when meeting with my Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Çavusoglu, including most recently when we met en marge of the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York.
During this most recent meeting, I raised concerns over the continued detention of entrepreneur and philanthropist Osman Kavala, in direct contravention of European Court of Human Rights rulings. This is a case which has added importance at present, given Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of Europe where we have prioritised the protection of civilians in Europe through the European Court of Human Rights.
Ireland has also been consistent in expressing concern over Turkey’s decision last year to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an important international treaty designed to tackle systematic violence against women. My Department and our Embassy in Ankara are active in supporting the advancement of women’s rights in Turkey, including through financial support to the Turkish Women’s Federation, the largest women’s organisation in Turkey, and an additional project supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention through the Council of Europe.
Ireland is also concerned about media freedoms in Turkey. We are supporting capacity development programmes for young journalists, in partnership with the Association of Journalists in Turkey. We will continue to champion freedom of the press in all cases.
Ireland has been clear in its wish to develop a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey. The European Union has similarly expressed its readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner to enhance cooperation in a number of areas of common interest. We have also been clear, however, that in order for any progress to be possible here, Turkey will first need to address these longstanding concerns relating to the internal human rights situation and respect for rule of law.
67. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any new sanctions are being imposed on the Russian Federation in the wake of its latest illegal actions in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent actions of the Russian Federation required a strong response from EU countries, which stand united in support of Ukraine. A meeting of EU Foreign Ministers took place in New York in reaction to President Putin’s announcements of a partial mobilisation and nuclear threats, where it was agreed to prepare a new EU sanctions package as soon as possible.
This latest sanctions package introduces important sectoral measures, which extend the existing import and export bans as well as the bans on the provision of services. Significantly, it creates a framework to adopt the oil price cap announced by the G7 countries in September, paving the way for the actual value of the price cap to be set. This aims to impact on the Kremlin’s revenues from oil exports.
Furthermore, the package lists a number of additional persons and entities for sanctions, many linked to the sham referendums organised in occupied territories. To date, over 1,200 individuals have been sanctioned by the EU in relation to the situation in Ukraine, as well as approximately 120 entities. In parallel to introducing new measures, we are constantly working to refine existing sanctions to ensure their effectiveness. This latest sanctions package creates a new listing criterion to sanction those who assist others to circumvent sanctions.
To take account of Russia’s declaration of control of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, the Donetsk and Luhansk Sanctions Regime has also been extended to include these occupied territories also.
Ireland has consistently taken a maximalist approach to the introduction of EU sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I will continue to call for further pressure to be imposed on Russia through sanctions until a peaceful conclusion of this conflict is in sight.
77. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the post-1994 sergeants and petty officers who currently are facing forced discharge from the Defence Forces if their contracts are not addressed as a matter of urgency; when the matter will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48889/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the contractual terms and conditions that will be used for sergeants over the age of 50 years who wish to remain in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 82 together.
Arising from the recommendations in the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, a joint civil/military review of barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force was conducted.
The review considered a number of matters including mandatory retirement ages and contracts of service. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to costs and pensions.
In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Currently, Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994 may remain in service up to age 50. The complexity surrounding any extension in service relates to the pension entitlements associated with the mandatory retirement age limits. To compensate for the fact that members of the Defence Force are required to retire at an age which is considerably lower than in other employments, there are arrangements in place for accelerated pension provisions, where pension and gratuity may be payable on retirement at age 50.
There has been extensive discussions on this matter between officials in the Department of Defence and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform who have responsibility for public sector pension policy to establish the arrangements which would allow the Sergeants who are due to retire to serve for a further period.
I am fully aware that the individuals who are due to retire need clarity on the proposals as soon as possible. I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and am determined to reach a conclusion on the matter very shortly.
78. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a strengthening of Ireland's maritime defences in view of recent events in the Baltic sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48993/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
On the 12th July 2022, government approval was given for a range of actions flowing from the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There are a number of recommendations in relation to maritime security contained within the report and the High Level Action Plan (HLAP) for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces sets out the response of Government in relation to each recommendation: Accept, Accept in Principal, Further Evaluation or Revert. Some of the maritime recommendations which have been accepted or accepted in principle by the Government include;
- An accelerated programme of Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships by early in the next decade;
- That all modern vessels be double crewed to ensure each vessel spends an absolute minimum of 220 days at sea per year, with this being phased in over the course of the vessel replacement programme;
- Providing immediate access to the Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme to direct entry personnel in the Navy;
- Ireland should deepen its engagement with the implementation of the EU’s Maritime Security Strategy.
One of the early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan is to progress the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review which will look at defence policy across all domains and inform future capability requirements.
79. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the supports that his Department and the Defence Forces have given to the Ukrainian army since the onset of the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the invasion by Russia of Ukraine, Ireland has been and remains resolute in our solidarity and support for Ukraine. We are honouring our commitment to help people who have been displaced by this horrendous war.
Ireland is continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and we continue to assert Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. While Ireland remains a militarily neutral country, we have not been politically neutral in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
My Department, Civil Defence and the Defence Forces will continue to engage across Government in relation to any further requests for support that are required from the Defence Organisation.
In terms of practical supports for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the European Peace Facility has been the principal instrument through which Ireland has been able to provide meaningful and much-needed support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The EPF is a vital mechanism for the EU to provide practical support. Consistent with the terms of the Programme for Government, Ireland is contributing its full share (€55 million), which is being directed exclusively toward non-lethal support. This €55 million represents Ireland's full share of the €2.5 billion that the EU has provided to date through the EPF.
In addition to this support through the EPF, the Department of Defence have also provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour directly to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to a direct request from Ukraine as a further tangible demonstration of Ireland’s support for and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Contrary to the media reports, the Defence Forces do not have a large inventory of spare or unused weapons or other equipment to donate to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The amount of stocks held by the Defence Forces is sufficient only for ongoing training, pre-deployment training for overseas missions and for deployment on missions. In addition, these weapons and equipment have significant lead times, in some cases a number of years for replacement.
Detailed discussions on a proposed EU military assistance mission to provide military training to Ukraine have been taking place amongst Member States in recent weeks and I expect that a fully developed proposal will be finalised shortly. I have previously confirmed my support in principle for such a mission and I look forward to seeing the final proposal, on the basis of which a decision on Ireland's participation in the proposed mission will be taken.
80. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the actions that his Department will undertake in relation to the recruitment of women into the Defence Forces in 2023 as per the recommendations set out in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and in line with Defence Forces recruitment objectives announced in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49019/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces as of 30 September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48888/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 86 and 99 together.
As at 31 August, 2022, the latest date such details are available, the strength of the PDF was 8,146 personnel or 86% of the current agreed strength of 9,500. 579 of these were women.
My focus is on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There are a number of initiatives which are presently being implemented to counter current staffing challenges.
There is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment and some 248 personnel have been inducted to end August 2022. Retention measures 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 Public Service pay agreements.
The Defence Forces are an equal opportunity employer and, in addition to increasing overall capacity, it is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces to reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
The White Paper on Defence contains a number of projects with a view to increasing participation of females in the Defence Forces. Furthermore the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of projects designed to assist in achieving the target rate of 35% female participation. An example of this is the early action to appoint a gender advisor at Colonel level in the Defence Forces, which has been accepted in principle and is being progressed.
In line with current policies and commitments, a number of initiatives are already in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation e.g.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
In addition, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel, both male and female, to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government.
