Written Answers Nos. 183-204
183. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); the engagement that he has had with the group on foot of the issues raised in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58553/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy office is currently preparing a response to the correspondence referred to in the information supplied.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. My Department has no operational function in this matter.
Irish Water is required by national regulations to consult with the Health Service Executive in all cases where a supply of water constitutes a potential danger to human health and Irish Water must ensure consumers are informed promptly and given the necessary advice.
The Environmental Protection Agency is the environmental regulator with responsibility for enforcing quality standards and compliance with the EU Directives and national regulations for the provision of drinking water.
It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818-578578.
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule by local authority, heading and amount of the funding and grants returned and or unspent in part or in full to his Department in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022. [58593/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding system that applies to local authorities in Ireland is a complex one, as those authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government including my Department but also other government departments and state agencies. Most of the funding from Central Government to local authorities must be used for specified services. These can be grouped into 5 broad programme categories: housing, transport, recreational, education and environment.
My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, homeless services, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban renewal/regeneration, and fire services. In order to achieve its business objectives, my Department allocates significant resources to an extensive range of organisations, including local authorities, dedicated agencies, and other bodies; some allocations, depending on the programmes concerned, are made on a national or other non-county basis in the form of grant funding.
Grant funding is provided primarily on the basis of vouched expenditure, as opposed to specific up front annual allocations, once all necessary requirements as detailed in grant assistance schemes are met by the bodies/organisations concerned and that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure the exercise of proper financial controls. Accordingly, the circumstances of funding being returned to the Exchequer do not arise.
185. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the present position on the change in legislation required to remove the requirement for planning permission when replacing dead and dying diseased Ash plantations with conifers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork on the amendment of existing planning exemptions for the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species is continuing. Draft regulations have been prepared and have been submitted for environmental screening, as required by the Strategic Environment Assessment Directive and Habitats Directive.
A Strategic Environment Assessment screening report has been prepared and the statutory consultation process in respect of that screening report has concluded with no changes required to the legislation. An Appropriate Assessment screening process is currently being undertaken by the Ecological Assessment Unit.
It is envisaged that the legislation will be commenced in the near future, pending the outcome of the Environmental screening processes.
In the interim, it should be noted that it is still open to individuals to apply for planning consent for the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species.
186. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the HAP rates of the local authority providing the HAP apply if a person is availing of HAP to rent a property outside of the relevant local authority’s jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe flexibility of Housing Assistance Programme (HAP) as a social housing support is one of the scheme's key characteristics and was one of the primary benefits envisaged at the outset of the scheme. With this in mind, Departmental circulars relating to inter-authority movement issued in 2017 and 2019, with the aim of facilitating movement of HAP households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant wishes to access rented accommodation with HAP support in another local authority area. Inter authority movement is, however, subject to certain conditions, such as the relevant Social Housing Income Eligibility Bands and confirmation that the applicant's income is below the threshold in the new local authority.
HAP tenants that avail of inter-authority movement continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits applicable are those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it.
HAP tenants who avail of inter-authority movement, can only be offered access to the housing transfer list of the originating local authority. The practical operation of transfer lists is a matter for each local authority to manage, on the basis of their own scheme of letting priorities. The making of such schemes is a reserved function of the local authority and as such is a matter for the elected members.
187. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's impact on the recent decision by the Council of Europe to hold a fourth summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58502/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland assumed the rotating Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in May at a point of profound challenge for the organisation as it responded to the invasion of Ukraine and consequent expulsion of the Russian Federation as a member state.
In signing the Treaty of London in 1949, Ireland was amongst the ten states to found the Council of Europe. Since then, the Council has held just three Summits - in 1993, 1997 & 2005 - each marking a point of significant change for the organisation.
On assuming the Chair of the Committee of Ministers, I argued that the magnitude of the crisis now facing our continent demanded that leaders of the Council's 46 member states convene for a fourth time to reaffirm our collective commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Over the subsequent months, we set about securing support for that call and detailing a strategic agenda on which a Summit might focus. To guide that work, I backed the Council’s Secretary General in first establishing an independent High Level Reflection Group, of which our former President Mary Robinson was ultimately elected chair. Its recommendations, presented to the Committee of Ministers in October, provide a blueprint for institutional renewal. These will shortly be complemented by a second related report, prepared for the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly by Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, head of the Oireachtas’s delegation in Strasbourg.
Political investment will ultimately be key to delivering on these reports’ vision and the Council of Europe's future. In that context, on 7 November, in the final week of our term, I was delighted to secure agreement within the Committee of Ministers to the convening of a Summit and to join the Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir in confirming that it will be held in Reykjavik next May.
At a time when our values are threatened, the Summit presents a critical opportunity to reinforce democracy, human rights and the rule of law across our continent. Having initiated the process, we are committed to supporting the Icelandic Presidency on the road to Reykjavik and to ensuring the Summit’s success as an enduring legacy of our Presidency term.
188. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff who are employed in each foreign embassy based in Ireland as of 7 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58534/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 64 resident diplomatic missions in Ireland. The information below sets out the total number of staff (diplomatic staff, administrative and technical staff, and service staff) notified to the Department of Foreign Affairs by each resident diplomatic mission under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. This information is based on Article 10 notifications received by this Department as of 7 November 2022. The information also includes the total number of US Customs and Border Officials notified to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The number of staff fluctuates regularly due to the staff rotations of other states. Locally engaged staff are not notified to the Department of Foreign Affairs and this Department does not hold information in relation to the number of locally engaged staff at resident diplomatic missions in Ireland.
Algeria 6; Argentina 3; Australia 2; Austria 4; Belgium 3; Brazil 10; Bulgaria 2; Canada 4; Chile 3; China 25; Colombia 4; Croatia 5; Cuba 3; Cyprus 1; Czech Rep. 6; Denmark 2; Egypt 16; Estonia 2; Finland 4; France 21; Georgia 3; Germany 12; Greece 7; Holy See 5; Hungary 7; India 11; Iran 6; Israel 7; Italy 9; Japan 10; Kenya 5; Korea (Rep.) 11; Latvia 5; Lesotho 4; Lithuania 6; Luxembourg 2; Malaysia 2; Malta 3; Mexico 7; Moldova 5; Morocco 10; Netherlands 5; New Zealand 3; Nigeria 12; Norway 2; Pakistan 9; Palestine 3; Peru 4; Poland 9; Portugal 10; Romania 11; Russia 25; Saudi Arabia 28; Slovak Republic 3; Slovenia 2; South Africa 3; Spain 12; Sudan 3; Switzerland 1; Turkey 12; UAE 6; UK 28; Ukraine 6; USA - 76 (includes 31 US Customs and Border Officials). Total 536.
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues regarding defence and security in view of recent events. [57726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 15 November, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers' format in Brussels. On the agenda were two working sessions, the first on Current Affairs and the second on Defence Capabilities and Operational Realities. These were followed by a working lunch to facilitate an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov (via videoconference) and the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The Current Affairs session covered a range of topics including the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, possible CSDP engagement in Niger, Operation Atalanta, the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity and the current financial situation of the European Peace Facility.
The second working session marked the first annual Ministerial discussion on defence capabilities and operational realities, as provided for the framework of the Strategic Compass.
The meeting closed with a working lunch and informal exchange of views focusing on Russian aggression against Ukraine, including its global implications. Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov participated by VTC to brief Ministers on the latest developments as well as Ukrainian priorities and needs on the ground. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg attended this session in person.
In advance of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format, I attended a meeting of the European Defence Agency Steering Board, where Ministers exchanged views on the main findings of the 2022 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) Report in the areas of defence spending, defence planning and defence cooperation. A presentation was also made by the EDA on concrete collaborative opportunities deriving from the CARD report.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service is being upgraded in line with the recent report; the extent to which recruitment is a major part of this reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58646/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which recruitment continues to remain an ongoing issue in the Defence Forces with particular reference to all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army including the Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58651/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which recruitment to the Air Corps is enhanced with a view to bringing the strength of the force in line with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58657/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he remains satisfied that the Air Corps is being reorganised in line with the recently published reports on the Defence Forces; if its strength is sufficient to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 195, 196, 202 and 205 together.
As at 31 October 2022, the strength of the Defence Forces was 8,074 comprised of 6,541 Army, 715 Air Corps and 818 Naval Service Personnel. The strength of the Reserve Defence Forces, comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve, and the Naval Service Reserve, was 1,810 personnel, the Army Reserve accounting for 1,419 of that figure.
Arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Government has approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability that will require an additional 2,000 personnel beyond the current establishment figure of 9,500.The Defence Forces are developing strategies to achieve increased recruitment and to address the current shortfall in numbers, across all branches of the Defence Forces.
To address existing staffing challenges, General Service and Direct Entry recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 358 inductions as of 31 October 2022 with further inductions due to take place before the end of the year. There were 42 Cadets inducted in November across the Army, Air Corps, and the Naval Service. A separate recruitment competition has also been launched specifically for Air Corps recruits, who in the past were drawn from the wider General Service recruitment pool.
The re-entry schemes for former personnel have boosted specialist numbers. The terms & conditions and scope of Direct Entry competitions remain under consideration as does the maximum recruitment age for all competitions. The 'Be More' recruitment campaign, launched this year, highlights the career opportunities available in the Defence Forces and also the wider benefits of membership, in line with one of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces that these be made known.
My focus is now on bringing the strength of all branches 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.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the number of sea-going vessels available to the Naval Service are sufficiently updated to meet modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which upgrading requirements are in hand throughout the Naval Service with a view to ensuring maximum capacity throughout the Service in line with recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service is being fully equipped in terms of personnel, seagoing hardware and other equipment sufficient to enhance the effectiveness and capability of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 193 and 194 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. The programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland by mid-2023 following the completion of a programme of works.
The Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime surveillance in the Irish EEZ and their ongoing capacity to do so is carefully monitored.
In 2021, I approved a comprehensive Naval Service Regeneration Plan which aims to address the issues facing the Naval Service in the context of Human Resources, Operational Capacity, and Infrastructure. The plan is being progressed and monitored by a high-level civil/military team. A number of the measures in the plan have been implemented such as the seagoing service commitment scheme, the revision of terms and conditions for certain specialists, and flexibility on the starting point of the pay scale for certain direct entry ranks.
Arising from recent civil-military discussions three Naval Service Regeneration priority action Working Groups have been established to make recommendations on:
- A revised Patrol Duty allowance model
- Consideration of future overseas missions/tasks/visits for the Naval Service.
- A concentrated recruitment campaign for general service naval recruits and specialist personnel
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.
In July Government approval was given for a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army continues to be modernised in terms of its structure, efficacy and its ability to respond to emergencies, if and when they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 was undertaken over a period of 5 months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I returned to Government with a High Level Action Plan and a Memo for Government which were approved on July 12th of this year.
This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
One of the Early Actions identified in the High Level Action Plan is a review of the structure of the Army, on foot of this the Military Authorities are progressing the establishment of an office of Army Force Design which will undertake the work required to give effect to this recommendation.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies, including security events, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which issues of abuse including sexual abuse throughout the Defence Forces have been satisfactorily dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to assure the Deputy that 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 and by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
Over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force Regulation.
The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan additionally aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Despite the reforms that have taken place in recent years however, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
The work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established by me on 25 January last, following Government approval, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Group will:
- Advise me on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective;
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces and thirdly;
- Will provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, this Independent Review is a necessary and critical step to fulfill my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces, to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces, expect nothing less.
I wish to add that the work of the Independent Review Group is entirely independent in keeping with the Terms of Reference and I must allow the Group full independence and autonomy to undertake its body of work, under its Chair, Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon.
Separately, I am aware that the Military Authorities have undertaken a number of initiatives. In November 2021, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy convened the Organisational Culture Standing Committee (OCSC) to drive and coordinate the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces. The OCSC will provide appropriate military support to the Independent Review and establish a cultural change programme, framed around the Chief of Staff’s Planning Guidance, and coordinate its implementation. The programme includes but is not limited to:
- Measures of Performance (MOPs) and Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs).
- The requirement for Cultural Audits.
- Appropriate reporting, measurement and oversight mechanisms.
The OCSC is engaging with leaders at all levels across the Defence Forces, and has the authority to engage with any Defence Forces member it deems appropriate throughout the consultation process.
The committee will engage with any relevant stakeholders and agencies as necessary, including, but not limited to, my officials in the Department of Defence, the Representative Associations, and relevant external organisations.
The Deputy may also be aware that I announced last year, interim support measures for members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern, is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provides a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace.
The Confidential Contact Person is independent and outside of the chain of command and their role is listen to the caller, assist them in documenting their allegations, and provide guidance on follow-on options.
In addition, the INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, has also been made available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
The Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
Finally, I wish to add also that the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Group’s findings. I am very eager for this work to be concluded and the final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published .
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which modern equipment continues to be readily available to the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment including aircraft and modern technology continue to feature prominently in the upgrading the of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58658/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he remains satisfied that the Air Corps, in terms of strength, equipment and capacity is in keeping with the standards throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200, 203 and 204 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects for which there will be capital expenditure in the coming years. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles which is well underway as well as the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles. The Army's non-armoured fleet continues to be updated also with over 220 vehicles due for delivery in 2022.
In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver in-house military training programmes and modules meeting national, EU and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions and international educational institutions, military and civilian. All training, internal and external, is provided to ensure that the Air Corps, and indeed the Defence Forces as a whole, are in line with best international practice and that they avail of all relevant modern training methods.
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.
In July Government approval was given for a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Army is being adequately updated in line with the recent report on the Defence Forces; if any particular issues have been identified as being in need of attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 was undertaken over a period of 5 months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I returned to Government with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government which were approved on July 12th of this year.
Some specific initiatives include the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar and the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force.
The HLAP set out to 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision and committed to the development of an implementation Plan.
The Government approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
