Written Answers Nos. 101-122
101. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any military event that took place recently in the University of Galway, wherein uniformed foreign soldiers were seen walking around the campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24629/24]
View answerThe wearing of military uniforms in the State is governed by Section 317 of the Defence Act 1954 which prohibits the wearing of a foreign military uniform without Ministerial permission.
Requests for persons to enter the State wearing any foreign uniform are dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Such requests are forwarded to the Department of Defence for observations and information purposes.
Foreign military personnel enter the State from time to time in order to attend official meetings, seminars, courses and various diplomatic and other social functions. This is, in general, standard international military custom and practice. Visits of foreign Naval vessels are also arranged through the Department of Foreign Affairs. Such arrangements generally include the wearing of uniforms ashore as part of the routine protocol arrangements.
The Irish iteration of the Combined Joint European Exercise (CJEX) 2024 was conducted in the University of Galway from 13 to 22 May 2023. The CJEX is a common exercise between five EU Defence Colleges established after the signature of the EU Headline Goal in 1999.
Defence Forces students of the Joint Command & Staff Course (JCSC) undertake a period of training alongside students from Sweden, Portugal, The Netherlands and Belgium in a joint and multinational exercise environment in order to promote a better understanding of the challenges involved in planning and coordinating a complex, multinational Peace Support Operation (PSO). There have been 21 iterations of CJEX to date (which was suspended during COVID). CJEX takes place annually in all the inviting Colleges’ chosen locations simultaneously. There were 32 participants (27 international and 5 Irish) from all five participating nations.
102. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24665/24]
View answerMy Department remains committed to creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. It is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that supports the recruitment, retention, and advancement of all employees, and actively engage in efforts to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce.
The Learning & Development Unit of my Department is committed to providing courses and presentations which promote equality, diversity, inclusion and dignity in the workplace.
During the period 2021 to date, courses and presentations were provided by OneLearning, who are responsible for the provision of learning and development which supports the development of skills and competencies across the Civil Service.
Examples of content in the training provided, include:
‘Human Rights & Equality initiatives in the Civil Service and nationally’; ‘Managing biased behaviour’ and ‘Challenges to EDI and Human Rights – Discrimination and Dignity at Work’.
Attendance is voluntary and the course and presentations from OneLearning are commercially sensitive but relatively inexpensive in comparison to individually procured courses.
A full list of the courses can be provided to the deputy if required.
103. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24697/24]
View answerIn terms of specific pieces of legislation, the priority for my Department is the progression of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 through both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess. The Bill has passed Second and Committee Stages in Dáil Eireann and the Report Stage debate is scheduled for the 12th of June.
In summary, this Bill, which covers many aspects of the Defence Acts, will:
• give effect to a key recommendation of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) in relation to the establishment on a statutory basis of an External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces;
• establish a statutory framework for the Minister for Defence to consent to the military representative associations to associate with ICTU and to impose the conditions that will apply to the granting of any such consent; and
• bring forward a number of important miscellaneous amendments to the Defence Acts and an amendment to the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004.
Work is also progressing within my Department on the preparation of legislative proposals to reform the triple lock. I hope to be in a position to seek Government approval for the general scheme of a Bill before the summer recess.
104. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of a person’s application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24740/24]
View answerThe ongoing scheme allowing for the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force has assisted in addressing particular skills gaps.
The re-enlistment of former personnel with the relevant skills and experience is one of the many actions being pursued to address skills shortages in the PDF. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, which were agreed with the Representative Association for enlisted ranks, PDFORRA, the scheme allows for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to three years and the duration of the re-enlistment offered depends on the vacancies that exist.
The terms and conditions governing the re-enlistment scheme provide that any former enlisted member of the PDF applying for re-enlistment, must satisfy the following requirements:
meet the medical classification and grading as set out in the provisions of Defence Force Regulations A12;
meet such educational, certification, and professional requirements for the relevant appointment to which they are to be re-enlisted;
have a minimum military conduct rating of ‘good’ upon previous discharge from the PDF;
pass such security clearance requirements as may be determined by the Chief of Staff from time to time.
In addition, applications for re-enlistment to a specific Corps or Branch of the PDF must meet the entry requirements for that Corps or Branch.
The assessment process also includes a file -review in relation to previous service and an interview.
While these various stages may take some time to complete, it is paramount that these stages be completed thoroughly and appropriately in order to ensure health and safety and security standards and indeed to ensure suitability and capability.
The military authorities have advised that the application is proceeding through the assessment process and the candidate will be contacted in due course.
105. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if as some media reports suggest, Ireland pays an Israeli government owned weapons company (details supplied) €295,000 each year to maintain drones bought from it, which the same company supplying aerial vehicles and drones being used to kill Palestinian people in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24982/24]
View answerThe Defence Forces Artillery Corps use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems to conduct reconnaissance operations, i.e. non-lethal operations. These UAV systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defence Systems Ltd based in Israel following a competitive tender process, and an upgrade of the equipment was carried out by the original equipment manufacturer commencing in 2016.
Current contractual arrangements extend to the support and maintenance of the Defence Forces existing fleet of unarmed UAVs, with an anticipated annual cost of €295,000.
The platform is planned to continue in service until it reaches end of life, at which stage a replacement will be considered in the context of Defence Forces capability development and available funding, and in line with public procurement procedures.
A small number of Israeli companies have won orders for defensive equipment in recent years as a result of tender competitions. This is not a new development. In each case, the contract was awarded by tender competition, on the basis that the company concerned had submitted the most economically advantageous tender. The most recent procurement of goods from Israel or Israeli firms was in 2021.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procurement procedures are EU law requirements that have to be complied with. This is to ensure fair competition, transparency and equal treatment between suppliers through the advertising of the tender competition on the e-Tenders or the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender platforms.
Such tender competitions are open to any company or country subject to the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargos in place on Israel or Israeli companies. Under both GATT and EU procurement law requirements, the Department of Defence is required to deal impartially with all companies that are entitled to enter tender competitions and tenders must be evaluated on the basis of objective criteria. Both the EU and Israel are members of GATT which has established a Government procurement agreement under which EU Member States and Israel can participate in procurement competitions hosted by each other.
106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Haulbowline naval base has the capability to dock a military naval ship of 210 metres in length; and if not, the funding that would be required in order to be able to securely dock a military naval ship of this size. [25086/24]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that the largest vessels in the fleet are the P60 class, measuring 90 metres in length. My officials have advised that the berthage facilities do not extend to accommodating a Ship of the dimensions referred to by the Deputy and as my Department has not been advised of any requirements to accommodate such a ship, I am not in a position to advise further.
107. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a schedule of all contracts they have and/or had with a company in the past 25 years to date (details supplied); the agreed contract cost; the ultimate contract cost including extras, design changes, conciliation, claims etc; project name/title; and the name of the body responsible for the delivery of projects where responsibility has been devolved. [25470/24]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. My officials will collate same and I will arrange to have this data provided to the Deputy in due course.
108. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any of the Naval Service vessels currently have helicopter landing capabilities. [25573/24]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
Further additions to the EDP are kept under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), in light of specific recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Commission of the Defence Forces specifically recommended an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by Government.
The former Naval Service flagship, LÉ Eithne was the only vessel in the fleet with a capability for helicopter operations. The Deputy will be aware that LÉ Eithne has been decommissioned and a process to recycle the vessel, in an environmental manner in line with Government and EU policy, is currently underway.
Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace LÉ Eithne. Work is currently underway that will inform next steps
109. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the recruitment budget allocated to the Defence Forces in the years of 2022, 2023 and 2024; the percentage of that budget that was actually spent in 2022 and 2023 in tabular form. [25574/24]
View answerThe overall budget for Vote 36 – Defence is delivered under a single programme entitled ‘Defence Policy and Support, Military Capabilities and Operational Outputs’. Dedicated recruitment funding is not identified separately in the Defence Vote, other than a specific budgetary allocation within Subhead A.22.2 (Miscellaneous: Advertising), which provides for advertising costs supporting various Defence Forces recruitment initiatives.
The table below outlines the Subhead A.22.2 allocation, expenditure and % of allocation spent on Defence Forces advertising over the period specified.
|
Subhead A.22.2 Advertising |
Allocation €m |
Expenditure €m |
% of Allocation Spent |
|
2022 |
€0.395 |
€0.958 |
242% |
|
2023 |
€1.000 |
€1.749 |
175% |
|
2024 |
€2.400 |
- |
- |
The increased funding provided for advertising in 2024 will significantly enhance this year’s Defence Forces recruitment efforts. It will enable progress on a wide number of ongoing recruitment initiatives, including general service recruitment, direct entry recruitment and re-entry recruitment schemes, while also facilitating engagement with a marketing and media partner to assist with the overarching Defence Forces 'Be More' recruitment campaign.
110. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the recruitment and retention plans for mechanics, the lack of which is contributing to the crisis in respect of bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24602/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, and Go-Ahead. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
111. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on expenditure on active travel programmes in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24619/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
112. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the expected cost of upgrading the public bus fleet to an electric fleet as part of the Pathfinder programme; the proposed timeline for town bus fleets and for regional bus fleets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24624/24]
View answerThe Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Electric buses produce no emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
As 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets as part of the Pathfinder programme.
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.
113. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the options available for truck and bus driving test applicants who need to take a test urgently and are available for a cancellation (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24652/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters and neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases. As such, I have referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
114. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24680/24]
View answerSince 1st of January 2021, my Department has spent €13,150 on a number of trainings and events that have anti-racism and/or unconscious bias as a core component. This includes Interview Board Training including details of the Commission for Public Service Appointment's Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service, which provides an overview of the 9 grounds for discrimination (including racial discrimination) and unconscious bias in the context of recruitment & selection.
Furthermore, a number of learning interventions have been developed by OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Centre, including Public Sector Duty, Human Rights and Equality training which was developed in conjunction with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).
The Public Sector Duty training referred to is mandatory for all staff, and the interview board training is mandatory for those staff participating in selection boards of competitive interview processes for recruitment and promotion. All other training is voluntary.
I have set out the requested detail of the relevant training and/or presentations in tabular form, below:
|
Year |
Provider |
Training |
Cost |
|
Year |
Provider |
Training |
Cost |
|
2021 |
Carr Communication |
Interview Board Training |
€1,300 |
|
2022 |
Carr Communication |
Unconscious Bias Coffee Conference |
€950 |
|
2022 |
Institute of Public Administration |
Interview Board Training |
€800 |
|
2022 |
IPA |
Interview Board Training |
€2,400.00 |
|
2023 |
IPA |
Interview Board Training |
€3,600.00 |
|
2023 |
Carr |
Equality and Human Rights: Understanding your Role |
€500.00 |
|
2023 |
OneLearning |
Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service - self guided e-learning |
€0.00 |
|
2024 |
IPA |
Interview Board Training |
€3,600.00 |
|
|
|
|
€13,150 |
115. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24711/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question, and would respectfully refer her to the Summer Legislative Programme published online by the Government Chief Whip in April of this year.
The Summer Legislative Programme lists Bills that are being prioritised for publication and drafting during the Summer Dáil Session 2024, including those being progressed by my Department.
In the Summer Legislative Programme 2024, the Deputy may wish to note:
• the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill is being prioritised for publication during the Summer Dáil Session.
• the Railway Safety (Amendment) Bill is being prioritised for drafting during the Summer Dáil Session.
Work is ongoing within the Department of Transport to progress both Bills in cooperation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General's Office.
116. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an outline of all flight paths out from Dublin Airport; if any new flight paths have commenced this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24745/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, DAA has the statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the DAA for a direct detailed response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
117. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the CIÉ superannuation scheme 1951, he will take steps to ensure the benefits of the scheme will be protected and maintained; and if pensioners within the scheme will now be awarded the long-awaited pension increase. [24773/24]
View answerRegarding 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. While original indications were that a judgement would be expected in the Autumn of 2022, the matter was deferred on multiple occasions, with the judgment being delivered on 19 April 2024.
In his judgement, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey found that both CIÉ and the 1951 Scheme members were obliged to provide funding to the pension scheme to resolve any solvency issues. Justice Sanfey instructed both sides to consider what orders should be made on foot of the judgment ahead of a hearing date on 14th June 2024. The Department continues to engage with CIÉ, and advisors in NewERA in relation to this matter.
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.
Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. This included matters relating to board-nominated members. Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to an increase in pension payments for members to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
118. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if CIÉ will appoint CIÉ board-nominated members to the statutory CIÉ 1951 scheme pensions committee, pursuant to rule 12 of the scheme. [24774/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. This included matters relating to board-nominated members.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
119. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress of the remaining stretch of the Midleton-Youghal Greenway project, including a timeline for completion. [24783/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Project-level funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
120. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on measures being taken to improve public transport links in rural areas of east Cork, especially those routes which may not be financially advantageous but serve an important role in connecting more isolated and under-serviced communities. [24784/24]
View answerAs 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 and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in County Cork, 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.
121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to reintroduce the issuing of new taxi licences for sale for saloon cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24800/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In June 2010, the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Grant of Taxi Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 to only issue new taxi and hackney licences for wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys.
Under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy: Action Plan 2022 – 2025, the NTA is tasked with increasing the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the SPSV fleet (taxis, hackneys and limousines) from the number in place at the end of 2021 by 25%, by the end of 2025. To support the wider availability of WAVs, the Department has funded the WAV grant scheme annually since 2014, to provide financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. As of 30 April 2024, the WAV penetration of the SPSV fleet (taxis, hackneys, and limousines) is 19.35%, while the percentage of wheelchair accessible taxis in the taxi fleet is 28.67%.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for attention. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
122. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason the National Transport Authority will only accept payment for licence applications by postal order or bank draft; if the authority recognises that this creates difficulty for applicants in knowing when payments have been processed; and the plans in place to implement an online portal to facilitate payment. [24867/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
