Written Answers Nos. 183-200
183. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will undertake an audit of each year in the past ten years in the matter of the reported training of Libyan militia by serving and/or former Irish Defence Forces personnel; if he will publish the results of such an audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16056/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the recent deeply shocking media reports alleging the training of members of the Libyan National Army by an Irish-based company and the possibility that such activity is in breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, I have taken a number of immediate actions, as follows
I have spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further;
My Department has referred the information received regarding these alleged activities to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. That Department has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána; and
I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions. Work in this regard is under way.
184. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to examine legislation in relation to former members of the Defence Forces being able to sell their expertise;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the alleged activities of former members of the Defence Forces in the provision of training to members of the Libyan National Army, activities that may be in breaches of UN and EU sanctions, I have taken a number of immediate actions.
Among those actions, I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions. Work is this regard is underway.
I have also spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further.
Finally, on the basis of the information received and given the potential for a breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, my Department referred these activities to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. That Department has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.
185. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether his Department or the Naval Service plans to conduct a security assessment on the potential of an attack on any proposed floating storage and regasification unit, during both its construction phase and after project completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 2023 builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High Level Action Plan in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023. 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
One of the Early Actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan was the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review as part of the regular defence review process set out in the White Paper 2015.
The first stage of this review has been the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) conducted by an interdepartmental working group and addresses the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. This assessment has informed the overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The Strategic Defence Review is due for publication later in 2024. All threats in our maritime domain will be captured in this Review.
The Defence Forces continues to maintain a threat assessment on existing critical energy infrastructure within Irish territorial waters and within our Exclusive Economic Zone.
186. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of the Capital Budget allocation for his Department that has been spent in Quarter 1 of 2024. [16286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) provides an allocation of €933 million for the Defence Vote, an allocation which maintains Defence capital funding at its highest ever level of €176 million. The principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing acquisition and renewal of military equipment, along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure and ICT capacity. These capital projects are often atypical, with long lead-in times and are usually pursued over a multi-annual timeframe.
In that regard, the significant level of capital funding now available to Defence is welcome as it will further enable progress on an extensive pipeline of projects identified as necessary to support the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes outlined in the Defence Strategic Framework and Detailed Implementation Plan.
Equipment and Infrastructural priorities for the Defence Forces are considered in the context of the established Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) frameworks operating within my Department. These planning frameworks remain fully cognisant of overarching Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines.
At the end of Quarter 1, 7.7%, (€13.6 million) of the capital funding allocation has been spent. While this figure is somewhat behind profile, the expectation is that the capital funding allocation will be fully expended by year-end.
In line with established public financial procedures and internal governance arrangements, my Department continually monitors capital expenditure as the year progresses, and as part of this process, supplies monthly reports and updates to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform.
187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if funding will be secured for the replacement of the eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft within the Air Corps; and the estimated lifespan of this type of aircraft. [16287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is a key feature of the recently published Strategic Framework which sets out the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Defence allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework which encompasses existing NDP multi-annual capital allocations and remains cognisant of the level of resources available, commensurate with defence policy requirements. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation of €176 million in Budget 2024. This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues;
Two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered to Baldonnel in June and September 2023 at a total cost of €228 Million (VAT Inc). This price included equipment fit-out, extensive suite of Maritime Patrol Aircraft mission equipment, spare parts and training. The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It also enables the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role.
A contract with Airbus has been placed at a cost of €72 million, including VAT for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
A competitive process to acquire a new mid-sized aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport is ongoing.
Alongside the four PC-12 aircraft acquired in 2020, some €344 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
Projects for other Air Corps capabilities including the replacement of the Pilatus PC9 aircraft will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the established planning processes.
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 and enables the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
188. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the fees for the Defence Forces School of Music to perform at commercial events were last increased. [16390/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the fee for hiring the Defence Forces School of Music (DFSM) stands at €700 plus VAT, this fee was increased in 2020. The Deputy may wish to note where the organisation hiring the DFSM is charging a fee to the event, the event organiser is also required to meet the costs of transporting the DF personnel to and from the event, to ensure that there is no cost to the Exchequer.
189. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount spent on purchasing military equipment from companies based in Japan in 2023 and Q1 2024, in tabular form. [16391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no military equipment was purchased from companies based in Japan in 2023 and Quarter 1 2024.
190. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the key elements of the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I published the National Risk Assessment for Ireland, 2023 on 28 March 2024. It identifies 22 key risks with Antimicrobial Resistant Infection, Pandemic, Cyber Attack and Disruption to Critical Supply Chain rated as our highest probability and highest impact risks.
Risks appearing for the first time include: Disruption to Critical Supply Chain; Damage to Undersea Infrastructure; Disruption to Oil Supply; Disruptive Use of Drones; and Antimicrobial Resistant Infection. The risk assessment will be constantly reviewed by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair. This will allow for continuous horizon scanning of potential changes in the risk environment.
In preparing this assessment, all Government Departments and their relevant agencies were involved in identifying national-level risks. In addition, the risks identified in the Overview of Strategic Risks (2023) prepared by Department of Taoiseach were taken into account. Added to these, the risks contained in the Regional Major Emergency Risk Registers were considered. These registers are prepared by the Principal Response Agencies under the Framework for Major Emergency Management. They were provided via the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This allowed for a comprehensive top-down and bottom-up approach with the process resulting in a final list of 22 key strategic risks for the country. As part of the process, a public survey of these risks was also conducted, which allowed for a wider societal view of these risks.
At the event to publish this new National Risk Assessment, I was joined by European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic. We jointly launched new research, funded by the European Commission, on horizon scanning for emerging risks, which was conducted by Dublin City University. This project has allowed us to integrate the assessment of traditional strategic risk, which is based on historical data, with the foresight and forecasting required to monitor emerging risk.
My Department has forwarded the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 to the European Commission as part of Ireland's reporting requirements under Article 6 of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, where it will contribute to the overview of risks that the EU may face in the future.
Officials in my Department have now commenced a cross-government process to assess the capabilities of Government Departments to deal with the 22 national-level risks identified in the National Risk Assessment. The results of this work will be published later this year.
191. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the functions delegated to the Minister of State in his Department; if he will outline their role and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16546/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister of State assists and performs functions, including Oireachtas business, as assigned by me as Minister for Defence on my behalf. Responsibilities of the Minister of State include the following;
Deputising for the Minister on Defence matters
Taking Defence legislation through the Oireachtas when necessary
Taking Oral Parliamentary Questions
Taking Private Members Business (opening or closing statements) relevant to Defence areas of responsibility
Taking Dáil topical issues, Seanad Commencement matters relevant to Defence areas of responsibility
Being a member of the Council of Defence pursuant to Section 11 of the Defence Act 1954
192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the recruitment target for each branch of the Defence Forces in the years 2024 to 2028, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16548/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe strength of the PDF, as at 29 February 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, stood at 7,451 personnel.
Induction numbers fluctuate from year to year. Budget 2024 allocated €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector, which included a provision for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024. As part of strategies to achieve this, a Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanstown, and the military authorities have advised that when fully operational, it will enable induction training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum. General Service recruitment is ongoing, as is Direct Entry recruitment for specialist positions, and the 2024 Cadet competition has recently been launched.
Every effort is being made to increase the strength of our Defence Forces. The current recruitment and retention challenges being experienced by the Defence Forces are being experienced world-wide. This Government has introduced many changes to make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice and will continue to work with the Defence Forces to enhance recruitment and retention.
193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of retirements in each branch of the Defence Forces in the years 2019 to date; the number projected in the years 2024 to 2028, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16549/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the following two tables:
Table A details the number of retirements/discharges, by Branch and by year, from 2019 to 2024, as at 29 February 2024
Table A
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2019 |
655 |
88 |
139 |
882 |
|
2020 |
491 |
48 |
102 |
641 |
|
2021 |
533 |
50 |
103 |
686 |
|
2022 |
716 |
73 |
102 |
891 |
|
2023 |
600 |
60 |
95 |
755 |
|
2024* |
80 |
9 |
8 |
97 |
*as at 29 February 2024
The term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and also includes a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
Table B provides the projected mandatory retirements on age grounds, the only retirements/discharges that can be accurately predicted into the future, from 2024 to 2028. The military authorities advise that these details take account of the recent increases in mandatory retirement ages.
Table B
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2024 |
53 |
7 |
6 |
66 |
|
2025 |
89 |
8 |
3 |
100 |
|
2026 |
92 |
7 |
10 |
109 |
|
2027 |
85 |
12 |
14 |
111 |
|
2028 |
94 |
10 |
7 |
111 |
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. My immediate focus remains on stabilising the numbers of personnel, and to facilitate capacity for further increases.
194. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reasons some local authorities are insisting on public liability cover for motorcycle sport of €13 million while other councils only require €6.5 million public liability cover (details supplied); the Government position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union (Motor Insurance) Regulations 2023 inserted a new section 81A in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, setting out that motorsports events and activities are exempted from motor insurance requirements, provided the local authority ensures that the organisers have sufficient public liability insurance in place. As there is no limit to personal injury awards, each local authority may set its own amount.
195. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of all lands reserved for future public transport sites, such as train stations in Laois and Offaly; if he will provide any details to progress plans to deliver on those sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, any aspirations or proposals in relation to integrated land use and public transport in Counties Laois and Offaly are set out in their respective County Development Plans.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any proposed new stations, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
196. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when the contract with the operator of the M7-M8 Portlaoise toll expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
197. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to outline the proportion of the funding allocated to the safe routes to school programme that has been expended for the purposes of improving walking and cycling infrastructure in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and to provide a breakdown of the projects funded to date and the nature of works carried out. [15977/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones. These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Given the role of the NTA in the administration of this Programme, I have referred your question in relation to Programme expenditure to that agency who should be able to provide more detail on this matter. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
198. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport when it is expected the CIÉ 1951 pension deficit will be resolved, in order that CIÉ pensioners will receive pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. The Department is still in the process of considering the draft SI in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days, and the proceedings are next listed for the 24th of April 2024.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to "the timeframe for when an increase might be sanctioned" to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
199. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the progress that is being made on improving public transport connections in Thurles and to a facility (details supplied) given record passenger numbers on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Tipperary, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
200. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department supports a potential accelerated programme for the Cork Luas to be ready for passenger operations in 2031; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16080/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy will deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area, both now and for the decades to come.
Delivery of a proposed light rail system for Cork as in the Strategy will provide a high-capacity, high-frequency public transport link to support growth of population and provide access to employment, health and educational amenities. A public consultation on the proposed Cork Light Rail project will launch in the coming months.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Light Rail project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
