Written Answers Nos. 682-703
682. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of officers, excluding those posted abroad or involved in training and staff courses, who were available for operational duties at home, by month, in 2014 to 2016, inclusive and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [24537/17]
View answer683. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of officers who were posted abroad or were participating in training or staff courses in 2014 to 2016, inclusive, and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [24538/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 683 together.
It was not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe available. I shall provide the figures to the Deputy when I receive them from the military authorities.
684. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of recorded suicides of personnel serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps from 2010 to date, in tabular form. [24001/17]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces Personnel Management System does not capture data on the number of suicides of serving members of the Defence Forces. Therefore the Defence Forces are not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to death by suicide. All sudden deaths must be reported to the relevant Coroner’s Office. It is a matter for the Coroner to decide whether a post mortem should be conducted and to determine the cause of death.
685. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the former Naval Service vessel, the LE Aisling, was sold too cheaply at €110,000 in view of its current resale price of €750,000. [24064/17]
View answer686. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the sale of the former Naval Service vessel, the LE Aisling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24189/17]
View answer687. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to decommission the LE Aisling in order to prepare it for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24192/17]
View answer688. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the person or body that valued the LE Aisling prior to its sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/17]
View answer689. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of maintaining the LE Aisling from when it was decommissioned to the date of its sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24196/17]
View answer692. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the market research carried out in advance of the sale of the LE Aisling; the number of officials engaged in the market research element of the sale; the way in which the price the ship was sold for was reached; if his attention was drawn to the market research before the sale commenced; the number of officials engaged in the sale process and the expertise of each for such a sale; and his views on whether value for money was secured. [24332/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 685 to 689, inclusive, and 692 together.
I welcome the opportunity to clarify the situation regarding the sale of the decommissioned Naval Service vessel LE Aisling following various media reports and speculation with regard to the resale price. This ship, which had a life expectancy of between 20 to 25 years of age, was withdrawn from service in June 2016 after thirty six years of service. It was withdrawn in the context of the impending entry into service of LE William Butler Yeats, the third ship in the current Naval Service Vessel Replacement Programme.
Following the withdrawal from service of LE Aisling in June 2016, there was a request from Galway City Council for the vessel to be donated to the people of Galway to be used as a local attraction. In this regard I wrote to Galway City Council and indicated that I wished to give the matter the fullest consideration and requested Galway City Council to provide a fully costed feasibility study for the use of the former LE Aisling by the Council.
In the absence of the requested proposal from Galway City Council, and given the pressures on berthage infrastructure at Haulbowline and the cost of maintenance on the vessel, in February 2017 I decided that the vessel would be put up for sale by way of public auction and I instructed officials from my Department to proceed with the arrangements for the sale.
The retention of LE Aisling in the Naval Basin in Haulbowline was creating considerable pressure on berthage space - there is limited berthage in the Naval Basin and operational ships must be given priority for services. With the greater size of the new vessels in the Naval Service fleet, the presence of LE Aisling in the Basin added to congestion and complication of movements. LE Aisling had to be moved 14 times within the Naval Basin, with each move representing a major logistical undertaking as it required the hiring of tugs and the diversion of Naval Service personnel from other duties for the move.
There was no expenditure involved in the decommissioning of the vessel, with no painting works or repairs carried out to prepare it for sale as it would not have been economically efficient. However, I am informed by the Military Authorities that the retention of the vessel led to increased personnel costs in respect of the skeleton crew of between 13-16 personnel assigned to the vessel on maintenance and security duties at an estimated pay and allowances cost of €370,000 for the ten months the vessel was tied up at the Naval Basin. While this crew was posted to LE Aisling they could not be deployed to other operational units.
In addition to the pay costs involved in manning the vessel while in the Naval Basin, costs were also incurred in relation to rations and ship services such as electricity. There were also fuel costs involved running the engines and in moving the vessel to and from her berthage, together with tug hire costs of approximately €10,000. Although the ship was being maintained while at berthage in the Naval Basin, the vessel would also have seen deterioration in condition and consequent reduction in value as time went by.
In this context and in keeping with my Department’s standing policy for the disposal of surplus equipment, the former LE Aisling was offered for sale by public auction in Cork on Thursday 23 March 2017. Due to the berthage constraints at Haulbowline and the associated costs on the State of retaining the vessel, it was imperative that the vessel was sold at an early date. Therefore, a reserve price was not set as if the vessel remained unsold, further costs of retention and disposal would have been incurred.
The public auction was attended by a number of parties, including a scrap dealer, who declined to bid on the day. The vessel was sold for the sum of €110,000 to a Dutch shipbroker, and following the completion of the necessary paperwork the vessel was removed from the Naval Base in Haulbowline on 23 April 2017.
The sale by way of public auction was handled by Mr Dominic Daly, a ship sales broker, auctioneer and valuer with almost 40 years experience who had previously handled the sale by public auction of the decommissioned LE Emer in 2013 and the sale of LE Déirdre in 2001. The auction was widely advertised in specialist national and international maritime publications, including Trade Winds, a global shipping and maritime news publication and Lloyds List, a leading news and information source for the maritime industry covering all sectors of the shipping world.
My Department is aware from media reports that the vessel has now been advertised for sale by the buyer for USD $750,000 or €648,000. In this context it is important to note that this is a hoped for resale price and it is mere speculation what the vessel will actually realise should it be sold. My Department has no information with regard to any level of work undertaken on the ship or which it is proposed to undertake prior to sale.
The suggestion that the ship was sold at undervalue is unsupported. A ship valuation is normally based on the market value of the vessel at the time of sale. The definition of Market Value as per the International Value Standards is the estimated amount for which property should exchange between a willing buyer and a willing seller in arm’s length after proper marketing wherein the parties had acted knowledgably, prudently and without compulsion.
I am satisfied that the sale of the decommissioned LE Aisling was carried out in a highly publicised and transparent manner, by a suitably qualified expert and was effected upon the most favourable terms reasonably obtainable given the age and condition at the time of sale and the international market conditions for end of life ships. The disposal of the ship by way of public auction, which was widely advertised in advance by the auctioneer handling the sale, was fully transparent and was open to all interested parties to attend. The public auction process used in the sale of the vessel was appropriate, and in all such situations the prevailing market determines the price achievable.
690. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the 44 locations to which the Government Learjet travelled to and from in 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [24230/17]
View answerThe information in relation to Ministerial Air Transport is available publically via a link entitled Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) on the Department of Defence homepage at www.defence.ie.
691. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland was one of the 27 EU member states that agreed a legal mandate in preparation for an EU military headquarters; the nature of the proposed legal mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24242/17]
View answerThere are no plans at EU level to establish an EU military headquarters. The proposal, currently being advanced is the development of civil/military planning and conduct capabilities, coordinated through a joint support coordination cell (JSCC), to improve the EU's capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more seamless manner. The proposal is to build on existing structures with a view to enhancing civilian-military synergies to support the effective planning and operation of civilian and non-executive military CSDP missions, as part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach.
In effect this means the creation of a Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), within the existing EU Military Staff structures in Brussels, which will be responsible at the strategic level for the operational planning and conduct of non-executive military missions working under the political control and strategic guidance direction of the Political and Security Committee.
Once created, the MPCC will work in parallel and in a coordinated way with the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) supported by the JSCC which brings together the civilian and military expertise in key mission support areas. The Director of the MPCC, a responsibility to be taken up by the Director General of the EU Military Staff, will carry out the same role, tasks and command authority as those attributed to an EU Military Operation Commander, for non-executive military missions only, including the current three EU Training Missions deployed in the Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia. Non-executive military missions are capacity building, training and advisory missions. This will further strengthen and enable effective civilian/military coordination and cooperation in the operational planning and conduct of CSDP civilian and non-executive military missions.
The new Council Decision required to establish the MPCC and also amend the existing Council Decisions of the three current non-executive military missions remain under discussion. No legal mandate can be agreed until a unanimous decision is agreed by all member States. Such an agreement is not currently in place.
I do not believe that it represents an increase in or a move towards militarisation of the EU. The Lisbon Treaty provides that the Common Security and Defence Policy “shall provide the Union with an operational capacity drawing on assets, civil and military. The Union may use them on missions outside the Union for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The performance of these tasks shall be undertaken using the capabilities provided by the Member States.”
I am satisfied that the issue of having an effective joint planning and operational capacity to support civilian and non-executive military CSDP missions is one which is reasonable, particularly having regard to the EU’s comprehensive approach to international crises.
693. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on claims in a newspaper (details supplied) that his Department is unable to locate copies of technical reports from the 1990s which raise concerns regarding health and safety conditions at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24407/17]
View answerI have corresponded with the Deputy recently by way of follow up response to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 15 February 2017 and the position is as set out in my letter of 17 May 2017.
694. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons who have left the Defence Forces in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24442/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
- |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 (30/04/17) |
|
Officers |
53 |
72 |
70 |
59 |
82 |
75 |
80 |
22 |
|
Other Ranks |
481 |
657 |
733 |
386 |
387 |
481 |
575 |
201 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total |
534 |
729 |
803 |
445 |
469 |
556 |
655 |
223 |
The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
On an ongoing basis, the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise.
I am advised by the military authorities that their planned target is to induct approximately 850 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017.
A new General Service Recruitment campaign was launched on 23 February 2017 and the 2017 Cadetship competition was launched in March 2017. Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. An Air Corps apprentice class was also inducted in March 2017.
695. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces officers available for duty in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, by unit and brigade, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24443/17]
View answerIt was not possible to collate the data in the timeframe available. When the information is received from the military authorities, I shall pass it on to the Deputy.
696. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the pay rates and increment scales for officers in the Defence Forces by grade and rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24444/17]
View answerRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) currently define the pay policy for public servants.
You will be aware that the report from the Public Service Pay Commission was published and 9th May and following that on the 16th of May my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., extended an invitation to the Defence Forces’ Associations to discussions on public service pay and a continued approach to the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation. In keeping with the Government’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Commission will be making all of its submissions and inputs publicly available on its website.
Full details of all pay rates and increment scales for officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force are listed in the following tables.
|
MEMBERS OF THE CHAPLAINCY SERVICE |
01 April 2017 |
|
LRA |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50% or 33.33%) |
|
or €1,000 to €65,000 |
|
|
Head Chaplain |
€66,595 |
|
Chaplain in Charge on entry |
€58,925 |
|
Chaplain in Charge after 10 years |
€64,176 |
|
Chaplain in Charge after 15 years |
€65,334 |
|
Substitute Chaplain in Charge |
€56,029 |
|
Church of Ireland Clergyman |
€16,910 |
|
€18,678 |
|
|
Officiating Clergymen |
|
|
Substitute Clergymen (daily rate) |
€139.09 |
|
Total number of Officers, NCO's & Privates |
|
|
Between 9 and 50 |
€22.71 |
|
Between 51 and 100 |
€40.53 |
|
Between 101 and 200 |
€57.40 |
|
Between 201 and 300 |
€74.61 |
|
between 301 and 500 |
€91.30 |
|
Over 500 |
€105.63 |
|
Additional payment for extra religious service |
€28.63 |
|
MILITARY JUDGE |
01 April 2017 |
|
|
restoration of 1st 1/3 |
|
(These rates are exclusive of MSA ) |
|
|
Military Judge (Class A) |
|
|
1st |
|
|
2nd |
€132,346 |
|
Military Judge (Class C) |
|
|
1st |
|
|
2nd |
€125,795 |
|
OFFICERS PAY RATE 1 - CLASS A (Line Officers)Recruitment Ranks |
Point |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50% 0r €1,000 up to €65,000) |
|
Rank (Army/NS) |
||
|
Second-Lieutenant/Ensign |
1st |
€30,275 |
|
|
2nd |
€33,838 |
|
Lieutenant/Sub Lt. |
1st |
€35,130 |
|
|
2nd |
€35,720 |
|
|
3rd |
€36,961 |
|
|
4th |
€38,226 |
|
|
5th |
€39,618 |
|
|
6th |
€40,890 |
|
|
7th |
€42,163 |
|
|
8th |
€42,891 |
|
|
|
€43,949 |
|
|
|
€45,010 |
|
Promotion Ranks |
|
|
|
Captain/Lieutenant |
1st |
€46,077 |
|
2nd |
€47,180 |
|
|
3rd |
€48,274 |
|
|
4th |
€49,388 |
|
|
5th |
€50,490 |
|
|
6th |
€51,583 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€53,978 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€56,055 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€58,237 |
|
|
Commandant/Lt. Cdr. |
1st |
€58,294 |
|
2nd |
€59,514 |
|
|
3rd |
€60,721 |
|
|
4th |
€61,934 |
|
|
5th |
€63,147 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€65,718 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€67,091 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€69,676 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr. |
1st |
€68,729 |
|
2nd |
€70,485 |
|
|
3rd |
€72,463 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€74,343 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€75,423 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€76,505 |
|
|
Colonel/Captain |
1st |
€78,844 |
|
2nd |
€83,375 |
|
|
3rd |
€87,918 |
|
|
4th |
€95,152 |
OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 - CLASS A (Engineer, Legal, Army School of Music, Executive Branch & Communications - Naval Service, Psychologists and Military Analyst (Captain)
|
Recruitment Ranks |
Point |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50% or 1/3 if in excess of €110,000 or €1000 up to €65,000 |
|
|
||
|
Lieutenant/Sub Lt. |
1st |
€42,090 |
|
|
2nd |
€42,727 |
|
|
3rd |
€44,533 |
|
|
4th |
€45,907 |
|
|
5th |
€47,404 |
|
|
6th |
€48,779 |
|
|
7th |
€49,918 |
|
|
8th |
€50,931 |
|
|
|
€52,078 |
|
|
|
€53,227 |
|
|
||
|
Promotion Ranks |
|
|
|
Captain/Lieutenant |
1st |
€55,290 |
|
2nd |
€56,486 |
|
|
3rd |
€57,673 |
|
|
4th |
€58,865 |
|
|
5th |
€60,058 |
|
|
6th |
€61,240 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€63,827 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€65,040 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€66,199 |
|
|
Commandant/Lt. Cdr. |
1st |
€65,055 |
|
2nd |
€65,379 |
|
|
3rd |
€66,464 |
|
|
4th |
€68,186 |
|
|
5th |
€70,305 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€75,531 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€78,059 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€80,653 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr. |
1st |
€80,898 |
|
2nd |
€82,699 |
|
|
3rd |
€84,721 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€86,647 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€87,754 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€88,858 |
|
|
Colonel/Captain |
1st |
€91,271 |
|
2nd |
€95,967 |
|
|
3rd |
€100,666 |
|
|
4th |
€108,153 |
|
|
Special Direct Entry |
||
|
Captain/Lieutenant |
1st |
€51,472 |
|
2nd |
€52,007 |
|
|
3rd |
€55,290 |
|
|
4th |
€56,486 |
|
|
5th |
€57,673 |
|
|
6th |
€58,865 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€60,058 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€61,240 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€63,827 |
|
|
€65,040 |
||
|
€66,199 |
|
Recruitment Ranks |
Point |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50% or + €1000 up to €65,000 or 1/3 if in excess of €110,000 ) |
|
Lieutenant |
1st |
€39,419 |
|
|
2nd |
€39,988 |
|
|
3rd |
€41,784 |
|
|
4th |
€43,015 |
|
|
5th |
€44,360 |
|
|
6th |
€45,585 |
|
|
7th |
€46,610 |
|
|
8th |
€47,516 |
|
|
|
€48,545 |
|
|
|
€49,573 |
|
|
||
|
Captain |
1st |
€61,769 |
|
2nd |
€62,311 |
|
|
3rd |
€65,485 |
|
|
4th |
€65,959 |
|
|
5th |
€66,563 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€67,421 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€68,583 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€71,476 |
|
|
€73,301 |
||
|
€74,588 |
||
|
Promotion Ranks |
||
|
Commandant |
1st |
€75,434 |
|
2nd |
€76,711 |
|
|
3rd |
€77,978 |
|
|
4th |
€79,537 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€82,150 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€86,677 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€89,144 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel |
1st |
€90,190 |
|
2nd |
€92,131 |
|
|
3rd |
€94,315 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€96,393 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€97,581 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€98,773 |
|
|
Colonel |
1st |
€99,908 |
|
2nd |
€104,777 |
|
|
3rd |
€109,682 |
|
|
4th |
€116,345 |
|
Recruitment Ranks |
Point |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50%) or + €1000 up to €65,000 |
|
Lieutenant |
1st |
€39,419 |
|
|
2nd |
€39,988 |
|
|
3rd |
€41,784 |
|
|
4th |
€43,015 |
|
|
5th |
€44,360 |
|
|
6th |
€45,585 |
|
|
7th |
€46,610 |
|
|
8th |
€47,516 |
|
|
9th |
€48,545 |
|
|
10th |
€49,573 |
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Captain |
1st |
€58,054 |
|
2nd |
€58,881 |
|
|
3rd |
€59,747 |
|
|
4th |
€62,822 |
|
|
5th |
€65,964 |
|
|
6th |
€65,964 |
|
|
7th |
€66,155 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point (MSP) |
€66,402 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€70,862 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€72,422 |
|
|
Promotion Ranks |
||
|
Commandant |
1st |
€73,244 |
|
2nd |
€75,089 |
|
|
3rd |
€76,939 |
|
|
4th |
€78,772 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€80,595 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€83,220 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€89,041 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel |
1st |
€87,370 |
|
2nd |
€88,623 |
|
|
3rd |
€89,876 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€91,130 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€92,383 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€93,688 |
|
Recruitment Ranks |
Point |
1st April 2017 (restoration of 1st 50% or+€1000 up to €65,000) |
|
Captain |
1st |
€55,671 |
|
2nd |
€56,181 |
|
|
3rd |
€60,049 |
|
|
4th |
€61,185 |
|
|
5th |
€62,305 |
|
|
6th |
€63,446 |
|
|
7th |
€64,577 |
|
|
8th |
€65,702 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€66,380 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€67,436 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€69,551 |
|
|
Promotion Ranks |
||
|
Commandant |
1st |
€66,587 |
|
2nd |
€67,380 |
|
|
3rd |
€68,514 |
|
|
4th |
€69,625 |
|
|
5th |
€70,732 |
|
|
Maximum Scale Point |
€74,838 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€77,236 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€79,708 |
|
|
MEMBERS OF THE CHAPLAINCY SERVICE |
1 April, 2017 restoration of 50% of difference or restoration of 33% of difference or €1,000 up to €65,000 |
|
RATES OF PAY |
|
|
Head Chaplain |
€66,595 |
|
Chaplain in Charge on entry |
€58,925 |
|
Chaplain in Charge after 10 years |
€64,176 |
|
Chaplain in Charge after 15 years |
€65,334 |
|
Substitute Chaplain in Charge |
€58,925 |
|
Church of Ireland Clergyman |
€18,678 |
|
Officiating Clergymen |
|
|
Substitute Clergymen |
€146.41 |
|
Total number of Officers, |
|
|
NCO's and Privates |
|
|
Between 9 and 50 |
€22.71 |
|
Between 51 and 100 |
€40.53 |
|
Between 101 and 200 |
€57.40 |
|
Between 201 and 300 |
€74.61 |
|
between 301 and 500 |
€91.30 |
|
Over 500 |
€105.63 |
|
Additional payment for extra religious service |
€28.63 |
|
MILITARY JUDGE |
|
|
|
|
|
RATES OF PAY |
|
|
Military Judge (Class A) |
€132,346 |
|
Military Judge (Class C) |
€125,795 |
|
(These rates are exclusive of MSA ) |
|
OFFICERS PAY RATE 1 - CLASS C RATES OF PAY |
Point |
1st April 2017 restoration of 50% of difference or restoration of 33% of difference or €1,000 up to €65,000 |
|
Rank (Army/NS) |
||
|
Second-Lieutenant/Ensign |
1st |
€31,325 |
|
2nd |
€32,229 |
|
|
Lieutenant/Sub Lt. |
1st |
€35,195 |
|
2nd |
€36,408 |
|
|
3rd |
€37,721 |
|
|
4th |
€38,935 |
|
|
5th |
€40,141 |
|
|
6th |
€40,834 |
|
|
7th |
€41,841 |
|
|
8th |
€42,840 |
|
|
Captain/Lieutenant |
1st |
€43,862 |
|
2nd |
€44,908 |
|
|
3rd |
€45,954 |
|
|
4th |
€47,005 |
|
|
5th |
€48,049 |
|
|
6th |
€49,097 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€51,368 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€53,339 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€55,412 |
|
|
Commandant/Lt. Cdr. |
1st |
€55,466 |
|
2nd |
€56,616 |
|
|
3rd |
€57,774 |
|
|
4th |
€58,925 |
|
|
5th |
€60,075 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€64,176 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€65,333 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€66,595 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr. |
1st |
€66,133 |
|
2nd |
€67,083 |
|
|
3rd |
€68,961 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€70,747 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€71,773 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€72,803 |
|
|
Colonel/Captain |
1st |
€75,035 |
|
2nd |
€79,379 |
|
|
3rd |
€83,691 |
|
|
4th |
€90,559 |
|
OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 - CLASS C Engineer Officer Legal Officer Army School of Music Officers Executive Branch & Communications Officer - Naval Service Psychologists Military Analyst (Captain) |
- |
- |
|
OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 - CLASS C RATES OF PAY |
Point |
1st April 2017 Restoration of 50% of difference or restoration of 33% of difference €1,000 up to €65,000 |
|
Rank (Army/NS) |
||
|
Lieutenant/Sub Lt. |
1st |
€42,395 |
|
2nd |
€43,703 |
|
|
3rd |
€45,119 |
|
|
4th |
€46,433 |
|
|
5th |
€47,508 |
|
|
6th |
€48,484 |
|
|
7th |
€49,568 |
|
|
8th |
€50,653 |
|
|
Captain/Lieutenant |
1st |
€52,621 |
|
2nd |
€53,747 |
|
|
3rd |
€54,876 |
|
|
4th |
€56,009 |
|
|
5th |
€57,139 |
|
|
6th |
€58,271 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€60,721 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€62,867 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€65,120 |
|
|
Commandant/Lt. Cdr. |
1st |
€62,896 |
|
2nd |
€63,508 |
|
|
3rd |
€65,635 |
|
|
4th |
€65,865 |
|
|
5th |
€66,907 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€71,874 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€74,273 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€76,773 |
|
|
Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr. |
1st |
€77,013 |
|
2nd |
€78,731 |
|
|
3rd |
€80,651 |
|
|
Maximum scale point |
€82,483 |
|
|
1st LSI |
€83,533 |
|
|
2nd LSI |
€84,581 |
|
|
Colonel/Captain |
1st |
€86,872 |
|
(Marine Engineer Superintendent) |
2nd |
€91,333 |
|
3rd |
€95,799 |
|
|
4th |
€102,916 |
697. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of air traffic controllers and pilots employed by the Air Corps from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, by year and percentage change, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24445/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables:
Air Traffic Controllers
|
Year (31 Dec) |
Air Traffic Controllers |
Fully Qualified |
Partially Qualified |
% Change from previous to current year (total ATC) |
|
2013 |
17 |
9 |
8 |
0% |
|
2014 |
17 |
13 |
4 |
0% |
|
2015 |
17 |
14 |
3 |
0% |
|
2016 |
14 |
11 |
3 |
-18% |
|
2017 |
14 |
10 |
4 |
0% |
“Partially qualified” personnel refers to individuals who have completed, and passed all examinations relating to Aerodrome control only but require further training to permit them to perform the full range of duties.
|
Year (31 Dec) |
Pilots |
% Change from previous to current year |
|
2013 |
88 |
0% |
|
2014 |
82 |
-7% |
|
2015 |
81 |
-1% |
|
2016 |
81 |
0% |
|
2017 |
78 |
-4% |
Pilots
It is important to note that as well as pilot numbers, the experience level of pilots is a key variable in determining operational capability.
Every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Air Corps. Actions are underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. ATC training is taking place and options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are being identified by an Air Traffic Control Working Group.
Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, with the aim of qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has also been launched.
These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel over the year as newly qualified personnel develop their expertise and with an anticipated return to full 24/7 service in early 2018.
In relation to pilot retention, the implementation of a range of proposals, including professional and personal development, working environment, operational deployments, career advancement and terms and conditions, designed to enhance retention of serving Air Corps pilots are being advanced by a civil military working group. In addition, the potential to attract back personnel who may have left the service is also being examined. A range of other measures are also being pursued, including:
- Increased Pilot Cadets in training
- Cadet Recruitment campaign underway
- Four personnel will complete Air Traffic Control (ATC) training between May and September 2017 and a further ATC course is being inducted
- Promotions including NCO vacancies in the Air Corps will be filled from the recently launched NCO promotion competition.
While these initiatives are underway, realistically it will take some time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps.
698. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel employed by the Air Corps from 2010 to 2016, inclusive, and to date in 2017, by year, rank and office, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24446/17]
View answerIt was not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe available. I shall provide the figures to the Deputy when I receive them from the military authorities.
699. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider removing the ban on non-commissioned officer, NCO, pilots in order to address the pilot shortage, as was done in the 1940s during the Emergency. [24454/17]
View answerThe Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
The manpower requirements of the Permanent Defence Force are monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational need across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is a significant turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces, targeted recruitment takes place on a regular basis so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise. The Air Corps has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel and these retirements are outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. The loss of experienced personnel is driven by a range of factors, including the availability of attractive job opportunities in the wider economy. The loss of experienced personnel, including pilots, has impacted on the availability of Air Corps services.
However, every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Air Corps. In relation to pilot retention, the implementation of a range of proposals, including professional and personal development, working environment, operational deployments, career advancement and terms and conditions, designed to enhance retention of serving Air Corps pilots are being advanced by a civilian - military working group. In addition, the possibility of recruiting Air Corps personnel who may have left the service is also being examined.
In light of the actions outlined above, there are currrently no plans in relation to providing for NCO pilot officers.
700. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to hold a competition for promotion from captain to commandant within the Reserve Defence Force; if such a competition will be held at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24476/17]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that the Lieutenant to Captain competition for the RDF is currently ongoing and that it is expected that this competition will be concluded by the end of Q3 2017. It is intended to conduct further RDF promotion competitions, including Captain to Commandant, in Q4 2017. I remain committed to the ongoing development of the Reserve Defence Force in line with the strategy set out in the White Paper on Defence.
701. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a person's Defence Forces pension entitlement changes when the recipient turns 66 years of age. [24520/17]
View answerUnder the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces Pension Schemes, in the case of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Privates, 21 years is the minimum service required for an immediate pension and gratuity, regardless of age. Maximum retirement benefits accrue after 31 years. The 21-year pension, which varies according to retiring rank and other factors, is payable for the person’s lifetime.
Where qualifying service is more than 21 years, an ‘additional increment’ is payable at a flat rate for each year of service in excess of 21 years up to a maximum of 31 years. However, under the pension scheme rules, this ceases to be payable when the pensioner reaches the qualifying age for the social welfare State Pension Contributory, that is, at age 66 to 68 depending on when the insured person was born.
I am advised that these arrangements are in accordance with the long established principle of integrating occupational pensions with Social Insurance benefits of employees who are in full PRSI class. This includes NCOs and Privates, who are fully insured for the range of social insurance benefits under the Social Welfare Acts such as the State Pension.
Integration means that a person’s entitlement to social insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the rate of occupational pension payable. The State Pension etc. is regarded as part of the overall pension package payable to the individual. The integration principle applies right across the public service and, indeed, in many areas of the private sector as well as in other countries.
I am also advised that the method of integration for these military pensioners is more favourable than in other areas of the public service. The maximum personal rate of the State Pension is considerably greater than any reduction that could arise under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pension arrangements by virtue of the loss of the additional increment on qualification for the State Pension.
The general issue of integration of occupational pensions in the public service was examined by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. Its Final Report, published in November 2000, was considered and broadly accepted by Government. The Commission accepted that integration is a fundamental component in the public service pension framework and was strongly of the view that it should be continued. It did not make any recommendations that would affect the current integration arrangements applicable to retired NCOs and Privates covered by the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pensions schemes.
703. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if staff shortages can be alleviated by hiring qualified air traffic controllers as direct entry officers in line with precedent in view of the recent acknowledgment of staffing shortages within the Air Corps, particularly within the air traffic control division. [24589/17]
View answerActions are underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. Air Traffic Control training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of Air Traffic Control services in Baldonnel are being identified and a mentor is also now in place to aid the newly appointed ATC Squadron Commander in Baldonnel. These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel over the year, as newly qualified personnel develop their experience.
Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, with the aim of qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has also been launched.
Air Traffic Controllers are required to be of the rank of Sergeant at least, in order to fulfil the duties of Duty Air Traffic Control Officer (DAT CO) i.e. solely responsible for the safe operation and control of the aerodrome outside normal duty hours.
In addition, in light of the challenges faced by ATC in Casement Aerodrome, a high-level civil/military review group has been established to identify options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services at Baldonnel. The group has been tasked with providing a report setting out options for consideration.
In light of the actions outlined above there are no immediate plans for the recruitment of qualified Air Traffic Controllers as direct entry officers.
