Written Answers Nos. 568-592
569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland's membership on the UN Security Council has been used to foster a greater awareness of hardships suffered by women and children in the various war zones including the Ukraine and all other war torn regions; the extent to which particular steps can be taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13911/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s two-year term on the UN Security Council, which ended on 31 December, was underpinned by three core principles: building peace; strengthening conflict prevention; and ensuring accountability.
Working in line with those principles, we consistently used our voice on the Council to call out violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law, and demand justice for victims. This includes our work on the broad range of country situations, including Ukraine, and on thematic issues, such as Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC).
We used our seat on the Council to deliver consistent, principled and powerful criticism of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. We continue to do everything we can, at the UN and elsewhere, to support Ukraine and to promote accountability for international crimes, including war crimes, in Ukraine.
Ireland has been a longstanding champion of the WPS Agenda at the UN and it was a key priority for Ireland's membership of the Security Council. Ireland co-chaired the Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on WPS, engaging with the senior leadership of UN missions on the implementation of the WPS Agenda on the ground. Ireland also promoted the inclusion of provisions on the prevention of sexual violence in the mandates of peace operations agreed by the Council.
At Ireland’s initiative, Ireland, Mexico and Kenya formed a WPS Presidency Trio, committing to using our respective Council Presidencies to integrate WPS fully into all discussions of the Council, and to mainstream WPS across all thematic and country files. The WPS Presidency Trio’s commitment to prioritise WPS was commended in the UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report, and described as a significant development which contributed to positive trends. Ireland continues to prioritise the WPS in our engagement at the UN, working to ensure that the progress made during our time on the Security Council is maintained.
Ireland was also an active member of the Security Council’s Working Group on CAAC, and we continue to promote the rights of the child in other UN fora, such as at the Commission on the Status of Women, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, and the UN Human Rights Council.
570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in the admission to NATO of the current applicant countries, with particular reference to the need to ensure a fair and adequate balance globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is not a member of NATO and has no plans to join the organisation.
While I am therefore not in a position to comment in detail, my understanding is that NATO’s membership has increased from 12 to 30 countries through eight rounds of enlargement since 1949. Currently, five partner countries have declared their aspirations to NATO membership; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Georgia, Sweden and Ukraine.
Of these five countries, Finland and Sweden have recently completed accession talks, and NATO Allies signed the Accession Protocols for both countries in July 2022. I understand that these protocols must now be ratified by all NATO Allies, according to their national procedures, and that 28 of the 30 NATO Allies have taken the necessary steps in this regard.
In terms of ensuring a fair and adequate balance, this is a matter for NATO and its members. It is my understanding that NATO operates what it refers to as an “open door policy” which is based on Article 10 of its founding treaty. Any decision to invite a country to join NATO is taken by the North Atlantic Council on the basis of consensus among all Allies.
571. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish aid continues to target those for whom such aid is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13913/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe priorities for the Government’s international development programme are set out in our policy, A Better World, which was published in 2019 and which underlines our commitment to working for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The focus is on reaching the furthest behind first, working with some of the world’s poorest countries and communities and those whose lives are affected by crises of conflict, climate change, disease and hunger. The programme places a particular emphasis on protecting and empowering women and girls. It is an integral part of Ireland's foreign policy, with a strong focus on human rights.
The Government has provided a total of €1.233 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 2023, the highest ever allocation and an 18% increase on 2022. Ireland's ODA is channelled to the most needy through our bilateral programmes managed by Irish Embassies abroad, funding to civil society organisations, including Irish development NGO, and funding through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement.
Ireland's development programme has a very strong global reputation for quality and effectiveness. The most recent peer review of Ireland's development cooperation, by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in 2020, found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development, investing in strong partnerships with civil society and effective in addressing conflict and fragility. The same year, the international development think-tank, ODI, found Ireland to be the most principled donor country in allocating overseas development assistance.
572. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department and other envoys abroad have managed to secure extra business and export contacts with obvious reference to the need for Ireland to be competitive in respect of both investment and exports in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13914/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and its mission network are actively engaged in delivering the Government’s economic objectives, and in particular in advancing the Irish people's prosperity and interests abroad.
The pursuit of these economic objectives is framed by The Global Island, Global Ireland 2025 and, most recently, the Government's Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World . These strategies orientate the key role of the Department of Foreign Affairs in this work, both in Ireland, through strong collaboration with a range of Departments and State Agencies, and abroad, as a central member of Team Ireland . At HQ, the Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in a range of areas, including the implementation of the relevant actions in the Trade & Investment Strategy, which they lead on, the economic aspects of high level inward and outward visits, and others.
Abroad, officers within the mission network engage in economic and public diplomacy to advance Ireland’s prosperity, as part of overall duties to promote Ireland's interests and support our citizens. This role includes the bringing together of Team Ireland Local Market Teams, which are comprised of our embassies and State Agency offices in key markets; and supporting the State Agencies in the delivery of their objectives. This cooperation is physically manifested in the growing number of Ireland Houses where our diplomatic missions and State Agencies are located together. Our missions also support the delivery of Ministerial visits and trade missions, in partnership with Team Ireland colleagues. As part of Global Ireland 2025, a core of objective of the expansion and deepening of the mission network, and therefore expansion and deepening of bilateral relations, is to deliver continued economic prosperity for Ireland as a core objective. This increased engagement is directed by a set of Global Ireland regional and country strategies.
Moreover, the Department and the Embassy network continuously works to sustain strong bilateral relationships and to maintain and uphold the rules-based international order with the UN at its centre - both of which are critical for the continuing realization of Ireland's trade and investment objectives, as well as for our security, prosperity and well-being as a country.
573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland's missions abroad, assisted by recent St Patrick's Day visits by Ministers and VIPS have continued to benefit from the promotions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13915/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which security and cooperation has been a feature of discussions throughout the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the various locations to which Ministers and VIPs were posted for the festivities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13916/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 574 together.
St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity, cultural activity, diaspora engagement, and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country.
I visited New York and Boston and met the UN Secretary-General; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Congressman Neal; Mayor Eric Adams; Attorney General Letitia James, as well as a range of business and community leaders.
In addition, supported by Ireland’s missions abroad, and in the spirit of Team Ireland, the Taoiseach, the Ceann Comhairle, the Cathaoirleach, the Attorney General and ministers of state, carried out 76 programmes, in more than 70 cities, across 41 countries on all continents.
Given the economic emphasis underlying each ministerial programme, including my own, the visits help to create jobs in Ireland, and strengthen the relationship with key established and emerging economic partners. Existing relationships with key political leaders, business leaders, decision makers, influencers and stakeholders across the world are developed and strengthened and cooperation across a wide range of fields, including economy, security, and trade. The impacts of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and our cooperation with partners in responding to it, has obviously featured widely in discussions, including in my own meeting with the UN Secretary-General.
As well as events and engagements with an economic or political focus, programmes included a range of in-person cultural - celebrating Ireland’s contemporary and traditional arts, culture and heritage - and Irish community events.
To ensure a coordinated approach to activity, a set of key messages, developed in collaboration with Departments and State Agencies, was provided to Ministers and the Mission network in advance of these visits.
The programme for 2023 delivered strongly on the Government’s objective of engaging with our diaspora, our key partners and friends, building on the success of previous years.
575. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken by to assist in re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13965/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe full and effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, including the power-sharing institutions provided for under Strand One, is a priority for this Government. The people of Northern Ireland are entitled to a functioning Assembly and Executive, in full fulfilment of the mandate they gave in the May 2022 elections. The absence of a functioning Executive also has knock-on affects on the operation of the Strand Two institutions of the Agreement, in particular the North South Ministerial Council, whose work should continue as soon as possible.
While the Assembly parties will naturally require some time to study the Windsor Framework, this should not be an obstacle to the full functioning of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement across all three Strands.
I remain in regular contact with political representatives in Northern Ireland to encourage the return to a functioning Assembly and Executive, and also with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton Harris, to discuss how best to achieve this shared goal.
576. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details on the proposed trip to Ireland by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden; if the President intends to visit County Louth as part of his itinerary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13966/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra580. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding preparations for President Biden's forthcoming visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13988/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 580 together.
The Government strongly welcomed the announcement last week of President Biden’s intention to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland soon.
The visit of any US President, particularly one with such strong connections to Ireland, offers an opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties between our two nations, as well as an opportunity for discussions on current international issues.
It is particularly welcome that President Biden will come in the year we mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, a transformational moment in the history of this island, and that he will also travel to Northern Ireland. His visit is an opportunity for Ireland and the United States to reaffirm our joint commitment to protecting and building upon peace in Northern Ireland.
As you will appreciate, the details of the President’s visit are still in the planning stage, and I am not able to provide any further information at this time. I expect that details of the President's programme in Ireland will be finalised and announced by the White House shortly.
President Biden’s pride in his Irish heritage is well-known, and I know that this is a visit that the President has looked forward to for a long time. We greatly look forward to welcoming him back to Ireland next month.
577. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take either alone or through the European Union to uphold international law in the Lachin corridor to protect Armenian citizens currently facing blockade and starvation in the area, and to ensure the opening of the Lachin corridor (details supplied). [13968/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was concerned by the renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year, and by reports of the ongoing obstruction of the Lachin corridor since 12 December. It is clear that these developments severely impact the civilian population, in particular ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh. The blockade also increases the chances of an escalation occurring. We stress that all concerns of Azerbaijan about the usage of the corridor can, and should, be addressed exclusively through dialogue.
The European Union took note of the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice, indicating that Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.
The EU reiterated in its statement of 23 February the call on the Azerbaijani authorities, and all those responsible, to guarantee the freedom and safety of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with commitments undertaken under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. The statement also underscored the vital need to ensure uninterrupted supplies of gas, electricity and other services to the affected population.
Ireland supports those calls and increased EU engagement in the South Caucasus, to promote greater security and stability in the region. At the 23 January meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, I supported a Council Decision establishing a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Mission in Armenia.
We repeatedly stressed the need for a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. During our tenure on the UN Security Council Ireland called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the implementation of a ceasefire. Armed confrontation will not provide any lasting resolution to the dispute. This can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Ireland therefore supports the efforts of European Council President PEC Charles Michel to mediate in the conflict by hosting high-level talks. We also support a return to the OSCE Minsk Group format.
Moreover, the government is engaging at the bilateral level in support of the EU’s conflict resolution efforts. Minister of State Burke met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador in February and with the Armenian Ambassador earlier this month. My officials are also in regular contact with the two Embassies.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is decades long and requires coordinated and sustained efforts by both sides and international partners to advance the prospects of arriving at a comprehensive resolution. We will continue to play our part. While doing so Ireland will always have the interests of the civilian population and their human rights as our main focus.
578. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his engagement with the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine concerning the State's response to non-Irish registered super trawlers fishing in Irish territorial waters. [13984/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's control authorities, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service, are responsible for the monitoring and control of fishing vessels in our Exclusive Fisheries Zone to ensure compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea-fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the SFPA and the Naval Service.
579. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given the recent transfer of jurisdiction for the Israeli civil administration in occupied Palestine away from military command, if he will now accept that de jure annexation of occupied Palestine by Israel is now happening; if he still believes de facto annexation is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am concerned by the recent decision of the Israeli authorities to transfer some administrative powers in the West Bank from military to civilian authorities. This is a worrying development which comes amid the context of increased settler violence and announcements regarding settlements.
The annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community more generally.
The continued establishment and expansion of settlements also violates international law. It is clear that settlements systematically erode the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian State. As the occupying power, Israel has the obligation to respect international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. The Programme for Government clearly states that the Government would regard any such moves as “a breach of international law and would consider an appropriate response to them at both national and international level”. In June 2021, the Government supported a Dáil motion that reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact.
Ireland remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, on the basis of international law and agreed international parameters. We will continue to raise these issues proactively at EU level, in national and EU statements, at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly, and in our bilateral contacts.
581. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has concerns regarding the scale of the Russian diplomatic presence in Ireland; the latest breakdown of personnel in the embassy on Orwell Road, Dublin; how this compares with the personnel complement pre-invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13989/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 (VCDR) identifies three categories of Mission staff as follows:- Diplomatic staff- Administrative and Technical staff, and- Service staff
There are currently 21 officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - 9 Diplomats and 12 Administrative and Technical staff.
Prior to the invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 officers at the Embassy, 14 diplomats and 16 Administrative and Technical staff.
The Government expelled four senior officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in March 2022. Those four officials were asked to leave the State because their activities were not in accordance with the international standards of diplomatic behaviour, as agreed in the 1961 Vienna Convention.
Despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia since their unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Government's view is that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open. This is in the interests of our own citizens, both in Russia itself and in the five central Asian republics to which Ireland is accredited via our Embassy in Moscow. It also allows us to continue to formally convey the Government's strong objection to the illegal and unwarranted war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. Additionally, it allows us to engage on a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the VCDR.
As with all of our responses to this crisis, however, Ireland continues to keep our policies and practices under review and will continue to coordinate closely with other EU Member States on our engagement with Russia, including keeping the numbers of embassy personnel under review.
583. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times the Irish Ambassador to United States has visited Norfolk in the state of Virginia in 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form; and the purpose of each visit. [14041/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Embassy in Washington DC, as our representative office in the United States, leads on Ireland’s political, economic, and people-to-people relations across the United States. In addition to the Embassy’s engagement on a national scale, it also has consular responsibility for Washington, DC and the surrounding states of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.
No official visit to the city of Norfolk in Virginia was undertaken by Ireland's Ambassador to the US in 2022 or to date in 2023. However, officials from our Embassy, including the Ambassador, have in recent years visited and met with Irish and Irish American groups in Southeastern Virginia, including the Irish American Society in Virginia Beach and the Coastal Virginia GAA.
584. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has undertaken any diplomatic efforts to call for peace and a cessation of the war in Ukraine; if he has discussed Irish neutrality in the context of any such engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14045/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been consistently active, both through the European Union and the United Nations, in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. This war is entirely of Russia’s choosing, and Ireland has repeatedly called for Russia to end its attack on Ukraine.
Ireland has co-sponsored six UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which have condemned Russia’s aggression; called for humanitarian access; suspended Russia from the Human Rights Council; condemned the illegal so-called referendums in the occupied parts of Ukraine and illegal annexation; and recognised the need for an international mechanism for reparations for Ukraine.
Most recently, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace. This was overwhelmingly adopted by the General Assembly, with 141 votes in favour, on the 23 February 2023, one day before the first anniversary of the war. This resolution once again called on Russia to immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and called for a cessation of hostilities.
Ireland has been active in outreach to the wider international community, including to countries in Africa and Asia, to encourage support for these important resolutions, including the resolution on the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace.
This has included contacts at political level and through our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and network of Embassies. Ireland has stressed the importance of the rules-based international order and the UN system for all Member States; when a powerful nation so flagrantly violates international norms and the UN Charter, this is a threat to all States and to peaceful co-existence. As a small, independent State, we have found that our message has resonated, and voting in the UN General Assembly shows that partners from all regions share this view.
As the Government has repeatedly underlined, Ireland may be militarily neutral, but we are not politically neutral in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. In this context, we are also supportive of the provision of military assistance to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and through training provided under the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM). This reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Based on commitments in the Programme for Government, our share of EPF funding for Ukraine is directed exclusively to non-lethal assistance.
Ireland, as part of the European Union is also ready to support Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, to date, Russia has not shown any genuine willingness regarding a fair and sustainable peace. The European Council has expressed its support for the peace formula of President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to work actively with Ukraine on its 10-point peace plan.
585. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if and how military emissions are being recorded in relation to legally binding targets at national and European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13851/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces, as part of being fully certified to the ISO50001 standard, operates a comprehensive Energy Management System (EnMS) that meets the requirements of the standard.
Each Defence Forces installation monitors energy consumption in terms of its utilities usage, with monthly returns made by Barrack Accountants on their electricity, gas, kerosene and LPG usage, as well as tracking the energy generated by Defence Forces Solar PV arrays.
Transport usage is monitored using the Jigsaw fleet management system, with each instance of refuelling captured on this system, allowing Transport managers to supervise the operation of Defence Forces vehicles.
Fuel usage is closely monitored on Naval Service vessels by the Naval Engineers, as is the aviation fuel dispensed for each flight by Air Corps aircraft.
The Defence Forces, as a public body, is also required to make annual submissions to SEAI relating to overall consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as performance based metrics, through the SEAI Monitoring & Reporting system.
586. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of times funding was moved across budget lines within his Department in a process known as virement; the name and purpose of the fund the money was taken from; the name and purpose of the fund the money was transferred to; the dates upon which he approved of such transfers, since he took office; if the Department of Public Expenditure was consulted prior to the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12264/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraVirement is the application of savings on one or more subheads to meet excess expenditure on another subhead or subheads in the Vote. It is an integral component of Government Accounting, which is strictly controlled and cannot be progressed unilaterally at Vote level without prior consultation and approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR). The usual procedure is that provisional sanction is obtained prior to the actual spend with definitive sanction sought when the Appropriation Accounts have been prepared.
Virement is used by my Department on an annual basis. Since my appointment as Minister for Defence in December 2022, the application of virement in relation to the Defence Vote for 2022 allowed savings arising on, inter alia, PDF Pay and DF Built Infrastructure subheads to be redirected to meet spending pressures in Defence Forces Capability Development, ammunition, Air Corps and Naval Service equipment and support, barrack expenses and engineering equipment and other operational areas across a range of subheads.
In accordance with DPENDPDR guidelines, officials in my Department sought approval in principle for virement in December 2022 and have recently applied for final formal sanction from DPENDPDR.
In addition, in relation to the Army Pensions Vote for 2022, formal approval has also recently been sought from DPENDPDR for virement to use savings on the Defence Forces (pensions) schemes subhead to address small excesses which have arisen in the Administration and Wound and Disability subheads.
587. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to introduce reforms arising from a case (details suppled); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12385/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the finding from the Workplace Relations Commission is currently under consideration. I am not in a position to comment on the matters raised at this time, pending consideration of the next steps to be taken.
588. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any projects under his remit are on hold due to Capital Funding pressures; if he will indicate the projects, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12622/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing acquisition, renewal and retention of military equipment along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure. The importance of this was set out in the 2019 White Paper Update and reinforced in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022.
The acquisition of military equipment is pursued through a comprehensive Equipment Development Plan which provides a consolidated, structured basis for investment in military equipment to maintain and develop necessary capabilities. Similarly, a Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme sets out the requirements for essential infrastructure development works over a medium term timeframe. These strategic frameworks combine to provide the basis for medium term equipment and infrastructural planning and investment requirements for the Defence Forces.
Multi-Annual capital funding allocations are framed by the overarching National Development Plan, with annual allocations negotiated as part of the annual Estimates process. In 2021, a mid term review of the National Development Plan was undertaken and the capital allocation for Defence was increased to €566 million for the period 2022 to 2025.
As part of the Budget Estimates process for 2023, and in line with this Government’s commitment to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Defence capital allocation for 2023 has increased significantly, by €35 million, to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022, an allocation which represents the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to Defence.
Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times. The certainty of funding provided by the multi-annual allocations outlined in the National Development Plan enables the Department and the Defence Forces to plan and prioritise a schedule of projects over an its lifetime. This flexibility ensures that, at all times, a range of capital projects as set out in the Equipment Development Plan and the Defence Forces Build Infrastructure Plan are progressing in line with the total capital funding allocated to Defence.
589. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown the number of active members of the Civil Defence in each of the 28 Civil Defence units across the State in each of the years 2013 to 2022 and as of March 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12639/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of active volunteers in each Civil Defence Unit on those dates is as follows.
|
Civil Defence Unit |
February 2013 |
March 2014 |
January 2015 |
February 2016 |
January 2017 |
|
CARLOW |
68 |
69 |
60 |
55 |
59 |
|
CAVAN |
279 |
270 |
261 |
268 |
212 |
|
CLARE |
205 |
155 |
211 |
213 |
199 |
|
CORK CITY |
105 |
101 |
76 |
81 |
93 |
|
CORK NORTH & EAST |
143 |
143 |
112 |
113 |
117 |
|
CORK WEST |
93 |
106 |
108 |
85 |
81 |
|
DONEGAL |
119 |
113 |
116 |
112 |
113 |
|
DUBLIN |
495 |
636 |
583 |
523 |
398 |
|
GALWAY |
393 |
442 |
483 |
276 |
306 |
|
KERRY |
224 |
123 |
97 |
100 |
116 |
|
KILDARE |
82 |
63 |
53 |
52 |
50 |
|
KILKENNY |
39 |
50 |
41 |
41 |
50 |
|
LAOIS |
84 |
95 |
84 |
76 |
78 |
|
LEITRIM |
37 |
39 |
41 |
33 |
33 |
|
LIMERICK |
261 |
203 |
201 |
179 |
199 |
|
LONGFORD |
75 |
86 |
74 |
65 |
51 |
|
LOUTH |
106 |
117 |
74 |
47 |
51 |
|
MAYO |
94 |
115 |
128 |
63 |
73 |
|
MEATH |
202 |
199 |
201 |
200 |
199 |
|
MONAGHAN |
150 |
125 |
88 |
71 |
69 |
|
OFFALY |
55 |
57 |
51 |
48 |
36 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
108 |
115 |
126 |
139 |
135 |
|
SLIGO |
208 |
129 |
119 |
108 |
113 |
|
TIPPERARY |
300 |
289 |
249 |
238 |
206 |
|
WATERFORD |
205 |
182 |
196 |
178 |
149 |
|
WESTMEATH |
107 |
106 |
120 |
95 |
80 |
|
WEXFORD |
189 |
174 |
158 |
127 |
137 |
|
WICKLOW |
170 |
86 |
85 |
68 |
83 |
|
TOTAL |
4,596 |
4,388 |
4,196 |
3,654 |
3,486 |
|
Civil Defence Unit |
January 2018 |
January 2019 |
February 2020 |
February 2021 |
February 2022 |
March 2023 |
|
CARLOW |
62 |
68 |
68 |
71 |
70 |
105 |
|
CAVAN |
227 |
245 |
208 |
207 |
171 |
70 |
|
CLARE |
190 |
195 |
202 |
155 |
99 |
92 |
|
CORK CITY |
93 |
119 |
127 |
115 |
104 |
82 |
|
CORK NORTH & EAST |
118 |
123 |
113 |
78 |
82 |
80 |
|
CORK WEST |
84 |
93 |
94 |
50 |
63 |
59 |
|
DONEGAL |
129 |
134 |
99 |
104 |
88 |
47 |
|
DUBLIN |
457 |
461 |
327 |
302 |
324 |
330 |
|
GALWAY |
308 |
315 |
261 |
248 |
230 |
217 |
|
KERRY |
130 |
132 |
183 |
136 |
140 |
87 |
|
KILDARE |
61 |
71 |
44 |
45 |
59 |
60 |
|
KILKENNY |
22 |
26 |
31 |
36 |
43 |
43 |
|
LAOIS |
88 |
97 |
93 |
37 |
40 |
44 |
|
LEITRIM |
35 |
38 |
41 |
33 |
19 |
20 |
|
LIMERICK |
157 |
175 |
162 |
156 |
136 |
121 |
|
LONGFORD |
52 |
27 |
25 |
21 |
26 |
57 |
|
LOUTH |
36 |
40 |
39 |
39 |
52 |
26 |
|
MAYO |
77 |
88 |
85 |
57 |
60 |
43 |
|
MEATH |
195 |
191 |
203 |
179 |
194 |
181 |
|
MONAGHAN |
60 |
58 |
53 |
56 |
59 |
55 |
|
OFFALY |
46 |
40 |
37 |
35 |
32 |
37 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
87 |
89 |
86 |
63 |
61 |
55 |
|
SLIGO |
105 |
95 |
112 |
113 |
128 |
128 |
|
TIPPERARY |
181 |
198 |
152 |
117 |
117 |
107 |
|
WATERFORD |
151 |
163 |
156 |
152 |
110 |
87 |
|
WESTMEATH |
99 |
95 |
59 |
49 |
43 |
47 |
|
WEXFORD |
122 |
141 |
146 |
150 |
120 |
122 |
|
WICKLOW |
77 |
79 |
58 |
45 |
44 |
47 |
|
TOTAL |
3,449 |
3,596 |
3,264 |
2,849 |
2,714 |
2,449 |
Civil Defence volunteers are recruited, trained and managed by the local Civil Defence Officer who is a full-time employee of the local authority. It is for each Unit to determine how many volunteers are required to deliver an effective Civil Defence service in their County. In 2020 as part of the 3 year planning cycle in Civil Defence each local authority confirmed the volunteer numbers required to deliver core services. The total figure was 2,857. Local authorities are currently submitting their Civil Defence plans for the period 2023 to 2025 and again they have been asked to identify the number of volunteers required in their Civil Defence Unit.
It should be noted that Covid-19 significantly restricted the ability of local authorities to recruit volunteers in the period 2020 to 2022. I am advised that a number of Units are now actively recruiting new volunteers.
590. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of prospective members of the Reserve Defence Force currently awaiting an induction medical assessment; how long the average waiting time for an assessment is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12676/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA recruitment drive for the RDF was launched in March 2022, which was advertised across a number of media channels while Recruit Liaison Officers across the RDF conducted local recruitment to attract applicants for this campaign.
Over 1,000 applications were received during this window, which is very encouraging, and the majority of those applications (800+) have now gone through the initial assessment stages and are currently moving to the medicals process.
More specifically the figures stand as follows:
|
Total |
|
|
Part 1 Medical Required |
489 |
|
Part 2 Medical Required |
464 |
It is noted that the same resources are used for PDF recruitment and this must remain a priority. It is difficult to determine a reliable average time for the medical assessments due to the bifurcated nature of the process, that is to say it is a two step process with time variations between those two stages. Following discussions regarding the delays posed by the medicals stage of the recruitment process, the Central Medical Unit (CMU) allocated 225 medicals to Reserve applicants.
Applicants from 2020 and 2021 were contacted by phone to ask if they still wanted their application to be considered. Approximately 220 of these applicants wished to continue. The backlogged applicants were offered medicals first. The majority of these Medical Part 1s are now completed.
In order to progress the applicants through the recruitment process, the Military Authorities in conjunction with the CMU and Office of the Reserve, agreed that the CMU would allocate batches of medicals to Reserve recruitment.
With regard to Part 2 medicals, a proposal was approved on 9 December 2022 to outsource Part 2 medicals, for both inductees and existing members over a four-year period for both the PDF and the RDF, amounting to 10,200 medicals in total across three lots (Dublin, DFTC, Cork).
It is planned to include 600 RDF induction medicals per year in this figure, which would amount to 2,400 over the lifetime of the proposed contract. This proposal has now gone to Tender. It is hoped that medicals facilitated by this contract will commence in the second quarter of 2023.
To date since the recruitment drive last year, 94 RDF recruits have been inducted into the Defence Forces with further inductions scheduled, and the military authorities have additionally advised me that once the body of work arising from last year's campaign is completed, consideration will be given to the launch of a further recruitment initiative in mid-2023.
While progress on this matter is welcome, I have nevertheless asked my officials to engage with the military authorities with a view to identifying additional measures to address the issues relating to the medical assessments element of the induction process.
591. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the commitment to revitalise the Reserve Defence Force as part of the work to move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12677/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra592. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the planned establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs, with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12678/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.
In July 2022, 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 in its Report which was published in February of 2022. This results in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State.
The High Level Action Plan (HLAP) which was approved by Government, gives the building blocks to progress the recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, agreed by Government.
The revitalisation of the Reserve Defence Force is one of five core areas highlighted in the Report and in this context, an agreed early action, is the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) with the priority objective, in the first instance, of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force.
I'm pleased to say that the set up of the Office of Reserve Affairs has commenced and the appointment of staff is already actively in train with the appointment recently of a Colonel to lead the office.
The initial focus of the ORA will be on the development of a Regeneration Plan for the Reserve.
I wish to assure the Deputy that work is continuing on the implementation of the full range of designated 'early actions' including actions associated with the Reserve, as well as the development of an overall Implementation Plan for all the recommendations.
It is my intention that the momentum behind the regeneration of the RDF will be maintained throughout 2023 and beyond, thereby enabling us, going forward, to create a Reserve Defence Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and internationally.
