Written Answers Nos. 391-411
391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent if any to which undocumented Irish in the US can expect to have their situations resolved; the extent if any to which he has had discussions with his US counterparts on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4770/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively engaged in providing support to undocumented Irish citizens living in the United States. The Embassy of Ireland in Washington, as well as our eight Consulates-General across the U.S., work closely with Irish immigration centres that provide support and information to our citizens, including the undocumented. Many of these groups, including the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, receive significant annual funding through the Emigrant Support Programme managed by my Department - totalling over €4.2 million in 2021,
I and my officials work closely with the current U.S. Administration, with elected representatives in the House and Senate, and with representatives at the state level, highlighting the challenges faced by the undocumented community. A key element of this engagement is working to find long-term solutions to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the U.S.
Notwithstanding that the politics of migration in the US can be challenging, some progess is being made. This includes a law passed by the Massachusetts State Senate last year enabling undocumented immigrants to acquire a Massachusetts Driving License., with the active support of Ireland's Consulate-General in Boston. When this measure comes into effect next July of this year it will improve the lives on undocumented Irish citizens in Massachusetts in a small, but very practical way.
The impact of Covid has been particularly felt by the undocumented, who often do not have adequate health insurance or sick pay. In response, my Department almost immediately introduced a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund to assist those who were particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.
392. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures the Government is taking to raise at an EU level the issue of the continued unjust detention of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4776/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the detention of political prisoners and conditions in prisons. Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue on 27 October 2022, issues of concern raised by the EU included freedom of expression, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, and the death penalty. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made representations to the Bahraini authorities on the detention of a number of individuals, including the individual you have referred to.
At the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 7 November 2022, Ireland urged Bahrain to uphold freedom of religion and belief for all persons including members of the Shia community; we regretted the reintroduction of the death penalty in 2017 following a moratorium of several years; and we urged Bahrain to carry out independent and prompt investigations into all allegations of torture or other forms of ill-treatment and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. We also recommended the immediate release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily arrested, and for the creation of a safe and enabling environment for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
Regarding the case you have referred to, officials from my Department are in contact on an ongoing basis with the relevant authorities who are providing consular assistance. Officials from my Department are also in regular contact with the family of the individual concerned. It would not be appropriate to comment further publicly on an ongoing consular case but I can assure you that we will continue to explore all options in relation to this case.
Ireland will also continue to monitor developments in Bahrain and call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
393. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs If he will provide an update on plans to open an Irish Embassy in Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4777/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Embassy of Ireland in Mexico City currently holds Ireland's accreditation to Cuba and is actively engaged on the bilateral relationship with Cuba, regularly interacting with the Cuban authorities, the Irish community in Cuba and the EU Delegation in Havana.
Officials in my Department maintain frequent contact with the Embassy of Cuba in Dublin on a range of issues and initiatives in support of enhancing bilateral relations. Most recently, a Memorandum of Cooperation on Sport between Ireland and Cuba was signed in December 2022 between the relevant Cuban and Irish authorities, which will facilitate cooperation and exchange in this area.
Last year, Ireland launched its first-ever Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean. This Strategy has already seen a step-change in Ireland's engagement with the thirty-three countries of the region, including Cuba, across a range of areas.
There are no imminent plans to open a resident Embassy of Ireland in Cuba. I am confident however that the Cuba-Ireland bilateral relationship will continue to benefit from the ongoing implementation of the Strategy and the work of the respective Embassies across a range of areas.
394. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress being made in remediating the area in the vicinity of Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh of Kildare which was the subject of illegal dumping by his Department in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a mediated agreement was reached between my Department and Kildare County Council in regard to this matter. As a result of the outcome of that agreement the Department of Defence engaged the services of environmental consultants to carry out a Natura Impact Statement and an Environmental Impact Statement incorporating a restoration plan for the area in question. Officials from my Department have met with the local authority throughout 2022 for discussions on this matter and I am advised that it is intended that the matter will be concluded in the coming weeks.
395. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members currently seconded to other bodies, by rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3967/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1 February 2023, there are 5 members of the Permanent Defence Force on secondment to other Government Departments or International Bodies.
The secondments are detailed, by rank and location, in the following table:
|
Rank |
Number of Seconded |
|
United Nations |
|
|
Brigadier General (Acting Major General) |
1 |
|
European Defence Agency |
|
|
Commander |
1 |
|
Department of Environment, Climate and Communications |
|
|
Commandant |
1 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
|
|
Commandant |
1 |
|
Office of the Controller and Auditor General |
|
|
Captain |
1 |
396. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the names of any advisers who have taken up employment in his Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary they are being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4119/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I was appointed as Minister for Defence, no advisers have taken up employment in this Department.
I have appointed Ms. Gráinne Weld as a special adviser. Ms. Weld has been appointed as adviser to me as Minister for Defence and also as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ms. Weld’s appointment is subject to Government approval, pursuant to section 11(1) of the Public Service Management Act 1997 (No. 27 of 1997). Ms. Weld is an employee of the Department of Foreign Affairs and as such, her salary is administered by that Department.
397. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the refurbishment works that will be carried out at both Casement Aerodrome and Haulbowline Naval Base during 2023; and the nature of works that will be carried out. [4194/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The Plan is iterative in nature thus ensuring that it remains relevant and that investment is targeted where most needed. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the Plan continues to reflect current operational requirements.
In respect of Casement Aerodrome and the Naval Base at Haulbowline a number of significant upgrade and refurbishment projects are either ongoing or scheduled for progression in the coming year at both locations. The projects/works are as follows:
Casement Aerodrome
- Hangar 3 Rooflight Replacement;
- Replacement and Upgrade of Hangar 3 Automated Doors;
- Refurbishment of Main Tech Stores &Canteen into Offices.
Haulbowline Naval Base
- Refurbishment of FORST Building 50 & 51 to provide modern office facilities;
- Block 4 , Refurbishment of Accommodation building;
- Block 9, Office Accommodation Conversion;
- Upper Archway-Refurbishment of abulation facilities for lecture rooms.
In addition to the above my Department allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
398. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of horses that joined the Defence Forces equitation school in 2022; the number of horses that left the equitation school during 2022; and the budget allocation for 2023 for same. [4195/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish Horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Army Equitation School has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish Horse.
The Army Equitation School continues to source suitable Irish bred horses that meet the required standard as judged by the School's Horse Purchase Board. Horses are acquired through either purchase or lease agreement.
In 2022 five new horses were purchased by the School. During 2022 a total of six horses left the Equitation School.
The School’s budget allocation in 2023 for horse acquisitions is set at €350,000. I am satisfied that the current arrangements allow the School to maintain its competitiveness at national and international events.
399. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide data associated with his Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4243/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Circular 01/2020 issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Government Departments, Offices and agencies are, with effect from 1 January 2020, required to record, monitor, and value the greenhouse gas emissions associated with official air travel usage and, no later than 28 February each year, make a payment to the Fund Manager of the statutory Climate Action Fund related to these emissions for the preceding year.
The table below sets out details of payments made to the Fund Manager in respect of Carbon Emissions due on air travel associated with my Department for the years 2020 and 2021.
|
Year |
Carbon Tonnes |
Amount Paid |
|
2020 |
7.3694 tonnes |
€191.61 |
|
2021 |
108.518 tonnes |
€3,635.38 |
The return for 2022 is not due until 28 February 2023. Therefore these figures are not yet readily available.
The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 to provide for the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities in certain circumstances to members of the Defence Forces. There was no air travel recorded by the Army Pensions Board in the period in question.
400. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when operational schedules for the rifle range at Gormanston Army Camp will return to regular publication (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that publications and advertising in local papers in relation to military exercises in relation to this and other military installations will resume in line with Defence Forces operational and training activities.
401. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the protocols that are in place regarding the use of live ammunition within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the protocols in place for the use of ammunition for training purposes are determined by the nature of the ammunition and the location of the training activity. The protocols and procedures that are in place for the use of live ammunition in domestic military operations are governed by a Defence Forces guidance document on the the use of force, while the use of ammunition in military operations overseas is governed by the specific mission mandate.
402. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively, of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4516/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra403. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively, of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4517/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.
The following table details the current strength and establishment of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 31 December 2022.
|
Current Strength (WTE) |
Agreed Strength |
|
|
Permanent Defence Force |
7,987 |
9,500 |
|
Army |
6,478 |
7,520 |
|
Air Corps |
709 |
886 |
|
Naval Service |
800 |
1,094 |
Ongoing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. 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.
404. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current total strength of Air Corps personnel; the breakdown of the number of qualified military pilots, cadet pilots in training, qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians, qualified military avionics technicians and military apprentices in training of both aforementioned disciplines. [4518/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 27 January 2023, is 745 wholetime equivalent personnel.
The table below shows the breakdown requested:
|
Personnel Stream |
Strength as at 27/01/2023 |
|
Qualified pilots |
96 |
|
Cadets currently completing military training* |
14 |
|
Young officers in pilot training |
8 |
|
Qualified Military Aircraft Technicians |
175 |
|
Qualified Military Avionics Technicians |
29 |
|
Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians |
62 |
*Cadets are scheduled to commence their Pilot Wings course once they graduate as Officers.
A Military Aircraft Technician (MAT) is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or a direct entrant deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors.
All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. The total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.
As outlined, there is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 62 apprentices. Of these apprentices, 19 are undergoing basic military training. The remaining 43 are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.
405. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols which have been cancelled to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4519/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
A range of factors including adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance, as well as staffing issues can impact scheduled patrol days.
A total of 12 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled between 01 January 2023 up to 26 January 2023.
406. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4520/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra407. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4521/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of women members who have left the Defence Forces in 2023, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4522/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 407 and 408 together.
As at 31 December 2022, there were 564 female members of the Permanent Defence Force, 28 of whom were serving overseas.
The requested breakdown of the total female strength of 564, by rank, is as follows:
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
58 |
48 |
52 |
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
|
0 |
0 |
7 |
12 |
54 |
98 |
220 |
13 |
63 females were discharged from the Defence Forces during 2022. This is the latest date for which data is available. Typically, discharges include personnel who leave for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and would also include any trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
In line with current policies and commitments, and the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a number of initiatives are in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. Additionally, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
I am 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, to undertake the tasks laid down by Government.
409. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4523/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and the Government remains committed to the advancement of the Reserve.
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 December 2022, is set out below:
|
Service |
Total Effective Personnel |
|
Army Reserve |
1,415 |
|
Naval Reserve |
103 |
|
First Line Reserve |
280 |
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF.
A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) that sets out the Government’s response to the Report has been approved, with a number of specific initiatives in relation to the Reserve Defence Force. These include the immediate commencement of planning for the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the RDF.
The Deputy may also be aware that the 2022 recruitment drive for the RDF was advertised across a number of media channels. Recruit Liaison Officers across the Reserve conducted local recruitment to attract applicants for this campaign and over 1000 applications were received, which is very encouraging.
In 2022, to the end of year, 90 RDF recruits were inducted into the Defence Forces and the processing of eligible applicants is continuing. The military authorities have advised me that once this body of work is completed, consideration will be given to the launch of a further recruitment campaign in mid 2023.
410. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of women in the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4524/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve. As of 31 December 2022, the effective female strength of the RDF is 199 members.
In line with current policies and commitments, a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework, including a Female Recruitment Standing Committee reporting on initiatives, with dedicated female recruitment teams proposed. In addition, a female specific "Always on" (constant targeting of the female demographic) campaign commenced in October 2021.
- The Defence Forces actively engage with schools to conduct career talks and regularly attend events aimed at future career choices for schools.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in the planning and execution of operations both at home and overseas and in all policies and regulations. Gender Advisors, generally at Commandant level, are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
Initiatives in place to recruit individuals to the Reserve include supports provided to maximise RDF recruitment including use of social media, promotion through the Defence Forces Press Office and outreach activities by RDF members. In addition, a number of measures to streamline the recruitment and induction process for the RDF are in train and it is hoped that they will yield a positive outcome.
The Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces included a number of recommendations relating to gender and diversity in the Defence Forces. A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) that sets out the Government’s response to this report was also approved. A number of these recommendations have been identified as early actions, including the appointment of a senior Gender Advisor at Colonel level, options for female participation at General Staff level, review of fitness standards, and the development of gender, diversity and unconscious bias training.
Some specific initiatives specifically relating to the RDF include the immediate commencement of planning for the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force. In addition, a further recommendation that the Defence Forces Women's network be extended to members of the Reserve has already been implemented.
I would reiterate that the Government remains fully committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Force activities.
411. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that professional masters in primary education students with a college (details supplied) are facing €65 increases in Gaeltacht fees, bringing the total fee to €815; if she has plans to assist such students with these fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4796/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. As the organisation mentioned is an independent private provider of ITE programmes, the re-introduced grant was not made available to students on their primary ITE programmes. This is in line with normal practice for other grant payments.
