Bríd Smith
Ceist:27. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any immediate military threats to Irish security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Security
Ceisteanna (27)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
There is an ongoing requirement to consider whether the capabilities we maintain are appropriate, having regard to the security environment, the roles that we wish the Defence Forces to undertake, and likely risks.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership. The report was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 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 approved by Government.
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 and interagency working group and addresses the significant security environment changes since the White Paper Update in 2019. This assessment has informed the overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
The Department of Defence, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted a Consultative Forum on International Security in June 2023. The Forum built a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy. It also provided an opportunity to examine the experiences and policy choices of other partners in responding to the new security environment in Europe.
As well as encompassing the Governments agreed recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group, the Strategic Defence Review will consider the reflections of the Consultative Forum on International Security and the future role of the Defence Forces both nationally and internationally.
A final draft of the Strategic Defence review will be submitted to me in the coming weeks for my consideration and following this the final version will be brought to Cabinet.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (28)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:28. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase the sonar capability of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capacity of the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army are being considered in the context of the capability and equipment development planning processes, with specific projects for Naval Service capabilities being considered as part of these planning processes.
There is a significant body of work currently underway to ensure that the Defence Forces have the required capabilities with equipment projects in various stages of the project lifecycle.
Most significantly for the subsea domain, the procurement process for a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels is well advanced and is currently at the tender evaluation stage of a public procurement competition. Detailed negotiations are ongoing with all due diligence being conducted prior to the awarding of the tender. In addition, the civil-military working group established to progress a programme of work for subsea awareness capabilities is concluding a key stage of the process. The Needs Phase, which sets out the rational and justification for the capability and identifies and appraises potential solutions is due to complete shortly. This working group assessed a variety of capabilities including sonar capabilities in line with the new Infrastructure guidelines published in December 2023. Recommendations on an investment programme of work will be brought for approval shortly. The work completed to date, once approved, will provide clear direction for the development of enhanced subsea awareness capabilities for the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (29)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:29. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received recent official requests from the European Commission to strengthen the Irish Defence Forces; if so, the reasons for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am happy to confirm to the Deputy that no request, official or otherwise, has been received from the European Commission in relation to the strengthening of the Irish Defence Forces.
In any case, and as the Deputy will be aware, decision-making power in relation to Defence remain a national competence under the European Treaties, and it remains a matter for Ireland, and any and every other individual EU Member State, to decide our own way forward in this regard.
Nevertheless, Ireland remains a strong supporter of the EU's Common Security & Defence Policy (CSDP), and will remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes in order to contribute fully to the development of the Policy in order that we can influence its evolution.
Though broader EU policy in this regard evolves in response to circumstance - most particularly exemplified by the EU's response to Russia's continued aggression towards Ukraine - and as evidenced by the agreement of the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility, and by the European Commission launch of its Communication of a Defence Industrial Strategy, any additional obligations proposed towards Member States must be mindful of the Treaties, and will be subject to negotiation and agreement by all Member States, including Ireland.
Where any such proposals are made, they will be examined in full cognizance of Ireland's national policy in this regard.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 15.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (31)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:31. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will increase financial support to the charities supporting veterans and former members of the Defence Forces; if the State, through the forces themselves, will develop its own outreach, care and liaison services for former members who have served the State proudly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members.
My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with ONE and IUNVA, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. ONE is paid €130,000 and IUNVA is paid €30,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022.
As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €900,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
The Defence Forces Personal Support Service provide limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting ONE and IUNVA in their work providing advice and support to veterans.
The establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs, under new Defence Forces structures, was one of the recommendations included in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published on 9 February 2022. A detailed implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations was subsequently published on 21 November 2023.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (32, 38)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:32. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in ensuring the provisions of the working time directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces; if he will detail those activities that are deemed outside the scope of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Matt Carthy
Ceist:38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress he has made on ending the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the working time directive. [22046/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 38 together.
I wish to assure the Deputy of my ongoing commitment, as Minister for Defence, to the removal of the blanket exemption which currently applies to the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act .
As the Deputy is aware, I recently approved the final management position, on this matter, which was presented to me, following extensive consultations involving the PDF Representative Associations and civilian-military management. I wish to again express my thanks to my officials, military management and the Representative Associations for their significant efforts in bringing this piece of work to a conclusion.
While the military authorities have advised that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive, the final approved management position provides for the exemption of certain military activities, due to their specific nature and agreed protections.
In order to progress to the necessary legislative stage, I have written to my colleague and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Peter Burke T.D. whose Department has responsibility for bringing forward the appropriate legislative framework for removing the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act. To this end, my officials have now commenced formal dialogue with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), on the agreed management position. It would not be appropriate therefore, to share the details of the final management position at this time while the formal engagement is underway.
I'm sure the Deputy will agree that this is a very significant piece of work which will benefit each member of the Defence Forces. The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces should be recognised as an important retention measure which will ensure that health and safety protections as prescribed in the Directive, are afforded to serving personnel.
Finally, I wish to add that the recently concluded pilot Time and Attendance system undertaken by the military authorities, across a number of areas within the Defence Forces, and the follow-on procurement of a long-term electronic solution, will lead to the development of a robust system to record the daily working hours of every member of the Defence Forces. This will be a critical enabler in taking forward the implementation of the Directive.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (33)
David Stanton
Ceist:33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Naval Service stood at 722 personnel as at 31 March 2024. As of the same date, 356 applications were received and there were 31 inductions.
I have previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention challenges in the Naval Service and I continue to be committed to maximising recruitment capacity and introducing measures to stabilise numbers. An allocation of €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, which includes a provision for the recruitment and training of at least a net additional 400 enlisted personnel in 2024, will assist in this regard.
Current recruitment campaigns include ongoing general service recruitment, re-entry schemes, 8 Naval Service specific direct entry competitions and three Naval Service cadetship competitions which remain open until 19 May.
As part of a Naval Service specific recruitment campaign, a Naval Service recruitment advertisement launched in 2023 and continues in 2024.
My Department engaged an external company in 2023 to validate and assess the Defence Forces current recruitment methods, focusing on the Naval Service. A marine recruitment specialist company has been contracted to target individuals with the skills required by the Naval Service.
In an effort to remove potential obstacles to recruitment, the maximum recruitment age was increased recently to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists.
In addition a number of financial and non-financial retention initiatives are being implemented. These include an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 60, with a further increase to 62 anticipated, the doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance, and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 10.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (35, 103)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues within the Defence Forces have been resolved as per recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he continues in his efforts to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the report of Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 103 together.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Following this engagement, a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government were brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November last. 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 which span:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 21 recommendations completed and work ongoing across many others. Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised.
While we are still in the early stages of the transformation process, a number of recommendations that have been implemented to-date have had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
Changes have been made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure has taken effect from 1 January 2024.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
Also, all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are now paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, and, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank has been removed.
However a great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.
The Detailed Implementation Plan sets out the significant progress that is expected in 2024. By the end of this year it is anticipated that 54 of the Commission's recommendations will be fully implemented, with many more being progressed over the course of the year.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, so it would be fully understandable to everyone.
The Strategic Framework, which I published in September 2023, brings together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace,
• where self-worth is actively promoted;
• where mutual respect becomes a dominant feature;
• where all members are treated with dignity;
• in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
Against the reality of the current global and European threat landscape, it is more important than ever that Ireland has a well-functioning, professional and well-equipped Defence Forces.
I am confident and determined that through the Strategic Framework, and the Detailed Implementation Plan, we will realise our shared ambition for the transformation of the Defence Forces accompanied with clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground for serving members.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (36)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the Be Summer-Ready 2024 public safety information campaign he recently launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22036/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 1 May, I launched the Be Summer-Ready 2024 Public Safety Information Campaign. This year the focused message of the campaign is TravelWise, which is the Department of Foreign Affairs’ travel advice service. The Be Summer Ready campaign provides advice across a wide range of topics on staying safe during the summer period. It is a source of practical information to keep in mind when planning activities, whether at home or abroad. The campaign’s messages are delivered through traditional and social media and by the provision of an information booklet and audio files, as well as a ‘TravelWise’ leaflet. Information about the campaign can be found at www.gov.ie/SummerReady. The Be Summer-Ready campaign is a whole-of-government initiative and is prepared and overseen by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (37)
Cathal Berry
Ceist:37. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Defence Forces' anti-drone technology capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A 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, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
The current Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) radar system and missile system are approaching obsolescence and as a result the development of a new air defence system is a key priority. The Commission report highlighted the requirement for a new air defence system which is compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture and also recommended for the development of anti-drone or Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. This recommendation was accepted in principle in the subsequent High Level Action Plan.
On foot of this, in 2023 a civil-military Working Group on UAS detection and counter UAS technology was established. The Working Group commenced a study of national and international best practice, and regulatory requirements, in order to see how UAS detection and counter UAS technology can best be deployed in the context of enhancing the capacity of the Defence Forces to carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
The research at this early phase determined the Counter UAS project overlapped significantly in terms of resources, management and technology with the ground based air defence project which is part of the Military Radar Programme. Consequently, a significant element of Counter UAS capability was brought within the scope of the Military radar programme thus ensuring resource commonalities are managed under one programme and avoiding duplication of effort.
This work is ongoing, it’s a complex programme and will take time to deliver. The needs phase is underway which sets out strategic rationale and the programme scope. This phase should not be underestimated given the importance and complexity of the programme due to evolving technologies in this domain. On the conclusion of the ground based air defence project, the State will have enhanced its capability to protect vital installations and for force protection for troops at home and overseas.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 32.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (39)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:39. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the arrangements in place when retired Defence Forces' personnel who are fully trained in paramedical and advanced paramedical skills while in the Defence Forces can easily move to work in the HSE or National Ambulance Service; if he is aware of any issues with the recognition of service carried out while they were serving members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22142/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Defence Forces medical capability encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including doctors (Medical Officers), dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and psychologists. Pre-hospital practitioners such as Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics are an integral and essential part of the service delivery component of the Medical Corps, and serve at home and abroad in medical appointments. By definition they are Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) -registered and must comply with specific requirements (i.e. currency in Clinical Practice Guidelines and adequate clinical exposure to maintain their skills) before being granted Practice Privileges by the Director of Medical Branch to act on behalf of the Defence Forces.
I am informed that the Defence Forces is currently unaware of any issues with the recognition of prior service of any licensed paramedic who has made the move to HSE or the National Ambulance Service after retiring from the Defence Forces. I am further informed that any requirements for a PHECC practitioner to work with the HSE and/or the National Ambulance Service is a matter for those bodies to determine. The Defence Forces does not have any arrangements in place in this regard with either organisation.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (40)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:40. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on any development in relation to works on the slipway at Lawrence Cove, Bere Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22108/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials have been engaged with the Defence Forces Engineering Corps on this matter. I am advised that further specialist advice in terms of marine structural and civil engineering is required to assess the required works and a procurement process will shortly be launched to obtain consultancy services in this regard.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (41)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:41. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of volunteers secured to participate in an EU battle group. [22047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Military management has advised that 104 EU Battlegroup appointments have been made to date, and the expectation is that the remaining posts will be fully filled in the coming months in advance of the first EU Battlegroup 2025 training exercise in Germany in the autumn.
It is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025 will be approximately 188 personnel. This will be comprised of a Group HQ consisting of 4 personnel, Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 139 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 29 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters. This overall number includes the potential for a further 6 personnel posts in a National Logistics Support Group to be based in Germany to aid the transport of Defence Forces equipment.
The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) will be located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) is based in Strasbourg, France. Nine Defence Forces personnel commenced their posting to the FHQ in January of this year.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (42)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the educational supports provided to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22098/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Training and education in the Defence Forces is conducted in line with national and international best practice, including the manner in which students are supported. On average, the Defence Forces conducts between 1,200 and 1,400 courses of training and education each year.
The Defence Forces is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning and the accreditation of Defence Forces training and education where appropriate. As such, the organisation has a number of collaborative partners across the Further and Higher Education sector, including the South East Technological University, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and SOLAS. In addition to these partnerships, the Defence Forces operates a refund of fees scheme that facilitates personnel in accessing partial funding to pay for courses in which they are engaged in their own time.
The Defence Forces Policy on Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) provides information for Defence Forces training establishments, students and instructors on the supports available to personnel with SLDs. Guidance is available on disclosure, screening, teaching strategies, assistive technologies and assessment supports to be utilised. The Defence Forces has trained a number of Officers and Non Commissioned Officers as Student Liaison Officers to assist in the provision of these supports to personnel across the Defence Forces through the completion of a Level 9 Programme in Adult Guidance and Counselling. Defence Forces personnel are also supported to access further and higher education programmes through Recognition of Prior Learning and Work Based Learning Portfolios. These mechanisms allow access to programmes through non-traditional methods.
The Defence Forces has published its first formal Professional Military Education Strategy, covering the period 2021 to 2024. It builds on the Professional Military Education framework previously developed for Officer Ranks, as well as the annual Training and Education Directive.
The aim of the Professional Military Education strategy is to develop and maintain military capability by building on existing Professional Military Education concepts, incorporating 'best practice' approaches as utilised by other international military academies, Partner Nations, and national Higher Level Institutes in order to develop a future framework that clearly defines Defence Forces educational and career pathways, while also enabling an effective and progressive approach to the delivery of Defence Forces Education and Training needs. It will assist in ensuring that the Defence Forces attract, develop and retain high quality personnel and will underpin the capacity of the Defence Forces to fulfil the roles assigned by Government.
It is to be noted that expenditure on educational courses for members of the Defence Forces amounted to some €3.3m in 2023, a significant proportion of which relates to international training and education. The estimated expenditure for 2024 is €4m. These figures, exclusive of significant additional administrative overheads associated with travel and logistics, comprehend third level education courses across the entire range of academic qualifications, career courses, management training, and continuous professional development. Qualifications and training received are a significant additional benefit to a career in the Defence Forces.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 7.
Emergency Planning
Ceisteanna (44)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:44. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the results of the national risk assessment he published in March 2024; the measures being taken to reduce the risks identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Anti-Microbial 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 Damage to Undersea Infrastructure and Disruptive Use of Drones.
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.
This 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. Officials in my Department have also 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.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (45, 52)
James Lawless
Ceist:45. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is considering legislation to prevent former and serving soldiers performing private security work in countries subject to international sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21826/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:52. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he expects to conclude considerations regarding the need for further legislation to strengthen safeguards in relation to former members of the Defence Forces selling their expertise. [22045/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 52 together.
Recent media reports that former members of the Defence Forces may have been involved in training members of the Libyan National Army are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
One of the immediate actions I initiated in response to these reports was to instruct my officials to prepare a policy position to encompass an immediate review of the current legislative provisions pertaining to parallel employment; permissions for annual and special leave outside the State; and proposals for making the regulatory underpinning, and subsequent sanctions for any such breaches, more robust. This reflects my view that the current legislative underpinning around external employment for members of the Defence Forces requires an immediate review.
As a first step in the formalisation of that policy position, the Chief of Staff has been asked to prepare Military Advice on the matter, which will provide a review of the current regulatory provisions, relating to parallel employment and applications for annual and special leave outside the State, with a particular focus on the practical application of those provisions within the chain of command and the degree to which sanctions are currently imposed, where such activities are deemed not to be in the best interests of military service.
This request is also to identify any gaps from his perspective, as Chief of Staff, in the current regulatory provisions and the practical application thereof and any recommendations he might have to address any such gaps.
In addition, an overview of arrangements that are currently in place for other Armed Forces with regard to parallel employment is also underway.
In tandem, my officials are also examining the arrangements that are currently in place across the Public Service relating to parallel employment and related matters.
The Military Advice, coupled with the work my officials are undertaking, will form the basis of a policy proposal for consideration by me, along with an assessment of any regulatory underpinning required, to support the policy proposal.
I have asked for this body of work to be completed without delay.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 26.