Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:20. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an overview of the key defence initiatives announced since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55611/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 December 2023
Ceisteanna (20)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government published in 2020 contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
On the 12th 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. 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. is will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500. This 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.
The High Level Action Plan for the report of the Commission set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and included the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. To date 37 out of the 38 Early Actions from the High Level Action Plan have been completed, with work ongoing on the Working Time Directive.
Some specific initiatives included the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force and the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review (SDR). On foot of a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a new Capability Development Unit has been established to take a new top down strategic approach to Capability Development Planning.
The High Level Action Plan set out the initial implementation and oversight structures. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of this group. There have been seven meetings of the Group to date; most recently on the 20th of October.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is now complete and was noted by Cabinet and published on the 21st of November. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations.
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. As part of the response to the IRG Report, the Government approved the establishment of an External Oversight Body for the Defence Forces to drive the necessary culture changes throughout the Defence Forces and enhance transparency and accountability. This is an essential part of the transformation of the current workplace to support current serving members.
The External Oversight Body is chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith; its Terms of Reference were published on the 12th July. To support the body in its work, a dedicated Secretariat has been established and to date the Body has met on 15 occasions. Legislation is also being developed to put this Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
In September 2023, the Strategic Framework - Transformation of the Defence Forces was published. This document clearly sets out the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) and the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF), together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
Since June 2020, the finalisation of ongoing White Paper Projects, and the scheduled initiation of the majority of the future projects, has been evaluated and considered in light of the CoDF. It has been agreed that the majority of the projects could be merged within the CoDF project mechanisms, with small numbers either to be progressed on a standalone basis or closed.
An organisational capability review of the Department of Defence commenced in 2021. The Review was conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and involved engagement with Departmental staff and key stakeholders in the policy and operational domains of the Department. The report has been published on the Department’s website and an Action plan has been developed and is being progressed to address the recommendations of the review.
The Strategic Defence Review commenced this year with the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) which is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental working group and will address the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. A fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing will then be completed.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The updated Plan estimates infrastructure requirements to be in region of some €300m for the coming years and there are currently over €130 worth of projects underway at different stages of development.
My Department continue to implement the rolling 5-year Equipment Development Plan 2020-2024. In terms of military equipment two new Airbus C-295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered during 2023. These aircraft will enhance the Air Corps’ maritime surveillance capability and will provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. In addition, a contract for a military transport aircraft has been placed. While a tender process has been initiated to purchase a new Government Jet.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels bought from the New Zealand Navy were delivered to Cork in 2023. They are expected to become operational in 2024. The mid-life refit of LÉ Niamh is ongoing and expected to complete in 2024. Marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course.
The MOWAG Midlife Upgrade Programme to upgrade and maintain the Army’s fleet of 80 MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers continued in 2023 . Four armoured utility vehicles were also delivered which completes a multi-year programme to introduce a brand new vehicle type to the Defence Forces fleet, offering essential force protection to personnel on overseas missions. Significant contracts were finalised in 2023 to acquire force protection and soldier systems including Night vision equipment, CBRN Suit Replacement and EOD Systems upgrades.
The acquisition of ammunition for training and overseas deployments continued throughout 2023. These included small, medium and large calibre, pyrotechnics, EOD munitions, Short Range Manually Portable Air Defence missiles and Javelin missiles.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. On 15th November I announced that with effect from 01 January 2024 the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea.
A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. The extended Building Momentum Agreement 2021-2023 provides for increases in pay for all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces of 6.5% over the lifetime of the agreement. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations will continue to be undertaken through this forum as the current work evolves.
Arising from a Programme for Government commitment, sanction was secured from the Department of Public Expenditure, Reform and NDP Delivery during 2023 for the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks. The maximum age of recruitment has increased to 29, for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain Specialists.
In relation to legislation, the Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 was enacted during 2022. The principal purpose of this Act is to provide for members of the Military Police to take and use DNA samples and other evidence for the purposes of their investigations, including outside the jurisdiction when Defence Forces personnel are deployed overseas. I also signed the Commencement Order for the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 and all provisions of the Act commenced with effect from 4 April 2022. Comprehensive rewrites of the Defence Forces Regulations relating to the Reserve Defence Forces (R5 and R7) and Boards of Survey (L7) have also been completed.
2023 saw the Civil Defence Act commencement and the amendments to sections 169 and 192 of the Defence Act 1954 prepared and included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023; these amendments give effect to a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces concerning the investigation and trial of sexual offences involving persons subject to military law; and the preparation of the General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 progressed.
As I indicated in my statement to the Dáil on 22 November on the "Triple Lock" mechanism, I have also instructed my officials to prepare legislative proposals that would govern the future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces and this work has commenced.
A three year implementation plan for the Civil Defence policy “Civil Defence-Towards 2030” was approved and as part of this a new Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System went live in July. This new system allows for more efficient management of around 2,500 Civil Defence volunteers, their training and activities. It is also assisting with equipment and vehicle management. The Civil Defence Act 2023 was enacted in July. The Act provides a modern legislative basis for the Civil Defence organisation. Following the introduction of the new legislation, the Civil Defence Act 2023, Code of Practice Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 371/2023) were introduced by the Minister. The Code of Practice prescribed in these regulations sets out grievance and disciplinary procedures as well as standards of conduct and integrity for Civil Defence volunteers.
With regard to international initiatives, my Departments main focus since June 2020 was Ireland’s policy input into negotiations around the establishment in March 2021 of the European Peace Facility (EPF); the new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy initiatives, and the Strategic Compass; which sets out the EU’s shared vision for Common Security and Defence Policy that was adopted in March 2022.
In November, Ireland's Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) with NATO for 2024-2028 under the Partnership for Peace was agreed; and Government and Dáil approval was received in July 2023 for Ireland's participation in four European Defence Agency Projects.
In June, the Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, held the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy to build public understanding and generate discussions on Ireland’s foreign, security and defence policies. The Chair of the Forum delivered her Report to the Tánaiste in October of this year.
In April, Government and Dáil approval was secured for the deployment of the Irish naval vessel W.B. YEATS, as part of the EU naval mission EUNAVFORMED Operation Irini. The core task of Operation Irini is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya. The Irish vessel with a crew of 58 personnel were in operation with the EU naval mission during June and July 2023.
In February this year the government approved the participation of up to 30 Defence Forces’ personnel in the newly established European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The primary role of the Defence Forces is to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in one or more EU Member States in which the training will take place. These trainers are supplemented by a small number of staff positions based in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) staff based in Brussels, Belgium and in the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany. To date, Ireland has delivered training to approximately 237 UAF personnel across 6 training module iterations.
In January, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
My Department published The National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020, which identifies and assesses the likelihood and impact of key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies. It formed part of the EU-wide risk assessment process. Subsequently, my Department also published an Assessment of Risk Management Capabilities Report in 2021, which identified the capabilities in each of the government departments tasked with dealing with the 16 strategic risks identified in the National Risk Assessment for Ireland. Work is under way on a new National Risk Assessment for Ireland.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning supported by the Office of Emergency Planning in my Department. Particular policy achievements in this area include work to prepare the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 and the publishing of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework Guideline Document 9 on Information Management. In July and November 2020, my Department saw the launch of the first "Be Summer Ready" and annual "Be Winter Ready" Government Information Campaigns. I also launched both the 2023 ‘Be Summer Ready’ Campaign, whose message was, “Think Water Safety - Plan and Prepare”, and the 2023/2024 ‘Be Winter Ready’ Campaign, which focused on, “Road Safety – Plan, Prepare, Be Aware.” Following the EU Council Recommendation of 8 December 2022 on a Union-wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, my Department has coordinated the stress testing of the energy sector in 2023. In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, hosted the 2nd annual All Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference, which focused this year on the key topic of emergency communications.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments.