Written Answers Nos. 17-31
17. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the targets for progressing the removal of the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the Working Time Directive 2003 within his high level action plan and the detailed implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; if these targets were met; the targets that have not been met; and when the exclusion will be removed. [42015/24]
View answerIn line with the target set down in Action 28 of the Strategic Framework which I published last year, a final management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, was submitted to me last December. Following interactions with civilian-military management and the Representative Associations, I subsequently approved that position.
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for developing the legislative mechanism to remove the blanket exemption from the 1997 Organisation of Working Time Act lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). To that end, I have had very positive engagement with my colleague, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to this key priority. At official level there has been extensive engagement between the Departments in the intervening months and between Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment officials with the Office of the Attorney General.
While I am aware that a timeline of September 2024 is set down in the Defence Implementation Plan for Action 50, the removal of the blanket exemption, I am fully cognisant that the identification of an appropriate legislative framework has been a very complex piece of work.
I’m pleased to say that my colleague, Peter Burke, TD, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment confirmed in September that a Statutory Instrument through the European Communities Act, 1972, to remove the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act, for the Defence Forces, would be appropriate.
Furthermore, in is intended to have this Regulation enacted by year end.
This body of work has been a priority for myself, Minister Burke, Minister Higgins and the wider Government and my officials and officials in Enterprise, Trade and Employment have been working to progress this as quickly as possible.
The Military Authorities have previously determined that the vast majority of activities are compliant with the Directive.
In tandem with the drafting of the Statutory Instrument, my officials are actively progressing the necessary underpinning required for those agreed health and safety protections associated with military activities which are deemed to be exempt from the scope of the Directive due to their specific nature.
These measures will come into effect in parallel with the enactment of the Statutory Instrument.
Another critical enabler in taking forward the implementation of the Directive is a robust Time and Attendance system. Following the pilot Time and Attendance system undertaken by the military authorities last year, a follow-on procurement process is now underway, for a long-term electronic solution, which will result in a system for recording the daily working hours of every member of the Defence Forces.
I am pleased that this significant Government commitment is now nearing fruition and that members of the Defence Forces will be brought within the scope of the Directive.
18. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the investigation in Lebanon into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/24]
View answerSince the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion were injured, I have consistently expressed both my and the Government's determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
I was very disappointed to learn at the most recent hearing on 7th June, that none of those indicted for the killing of Private Seán Rooney appeared in court at the hearing, and that it was adjourned until 12th February 2025.
I have continually stressed my unhappiness with the progress of the Trial to date and have made that very clear on a number of occasions directly to both Lebanese authorities, and to the UN. I continue to maintain close contact with both on this matter. When I was last in New York, in September, for the UN General Assembly High Level Week, I took the opportunity to meet with and raise the issue again with the UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and I asked him to use any channels open to him to exert influence on the issue.
A central focus of my last visit to Lebanon in May was my meeting with the Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and the legal representative of the Lebanese Minister for Defence. I left the Lebanese Minister and officials in no doubt with regard to the absolute determination of the Irish Government in ensuring that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice and that lives of Irish peacekeepers must be valued. I also emphasised the need to speed up the legal proceedings and the additional distress that the lack of progress is causing Private Rooney's family.
I will continue to make strong representations in this matter with the Lebanese authorities and with the United Nations. Private Rooney’s family has been, and will continue to be, kept informed of developments as they happen, and I most recently met with Private Rooney's family on 9th October last.
Finally, I wish to assure the House that my Department, the Embassy in Cairo, the Consulate in Beirut and I will continue to monitor developments and to push for progress in this regard very closely.
19. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of additional members expected to be recruited to the Defence Forces in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42005/24]
View answer20. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current status and future plans for the Defence Forces’ recruitment and retention strategy, particularly in light of recent reports indicating significant personnel shortages, and given the critical role of the Defence Forces in ensuring national security and fulfilling international obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41979/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
As I informed Deputies earlier, the military authorities have advised that as at 31 August 2024, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,426 personnel.
In terms of recruitment targets and plans for 2025, Budget 2025 has provided a record €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector- an increase of €100 million. This allocation provides for the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel per annum. My instruction to the military authorities to increase their recruitment targets beyond those they had originally projected for 2024, has yielded positive results and I would expect this momentum to be maintained in 2025 and beyond. The latest strength figure reveals a net month-on-month increase of 105.
Further encouraging trends are seen in the number of inductions, which at the end of September
stood at 494, exceeding the total number for last year. The military authorities advise that they plan to have a further 250 further inductions before the end of the year. The number of discharges is down year-on-year and at 443 to the end of August, shows a reduction of 35 when compared to the same period last year. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to rise with in excess of 10,000 applications received across all competitions as of 30 September 2024. This exceeds the total number received in 2023.
I have previously acknowledged challenges facing recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and to address these I have introduced a number of measures. These include an increase in recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been rolled out to all PDF members. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled, and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.
There has also been significant progress on pay with new recruits starting on €40,297, school leaver Cadets starting on €44,216 upon commissioning, and €49,552 upon commissioning for graduate Cadets.
In conclusion, I wish to state clearly that Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review.
21. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has examined the extent to which pension entitlements are hampering retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42011/24]
View answerRetention, of course, as the Deputy will be aware, is not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in any organisation. In common with other international militaries and while in a buoyant economy, the Defence Forces is facing a challenging environment at present.
Pension entitlements cannot be viewed solely as a retention measure; they are in place primarily to support the Defence Forces manpower policy and operational requirements.
Defence Forces pension arrangements differ in a number of key respects to the wider public service. These distinctions include earlier ages with entitlement to immediate pension benefit, and atypical faster rates of benefit accrual, similar to other uniformed services.
Pension entitlements for members of the Defence Forces are split over 3 main pension schemes, depending on when a member joined the Defence Forces. In the round, Defence Forces pension schemes compare very favourably to the generality of pension arrangements applicable across our public service
As Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered:
• Significant progress on pay in recent years;
• Increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62 years of age for all personnel
• Increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39;
• Increases to Patrol Duty Allowance to incentivise sea-going in the Naval Service;
• The extension of a Naval Service personnel tax credit for a further five years;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Access to free medical, physiotherapy and dental care;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Provision of fully funded opportunities to continue education to gain professional and academic qualifications;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• A revised policy on maternity and associated protected leave which is fully aligned with national legislation;
• A new policy on personal appearance standards;
• Significant progress on the removal of the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces, from the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act following my approval earlier this year of a management position.
• The implementation of a range of work-life balance and 'harmony’ initiatives.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces Personnel continues to be a key priority for me.
22. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent attendance at the RACO Annual Conference. [42025/24]
View answerI welcomed the opportunity to attend and speak at RACO's Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) on 3 October last.
At the Conference, I acknowledged the ongoing serious situation in Lebanon and the wider region, which remains very tense and unpredictable. I outlined the Government’s commitment to continually monitor the situation closely, along with our partners in the UN and the international community.
I also took the opportunity to address delegates on a number of key issues currently facing the Defence Forces, whilst acknowledging that a wide range of improvements have been made, over the last year.
I outlined the focus on maritime security, as a priority, which involves immediate action on military radar capabilities and the development of a national Maritime Security Strategy.
I also spoke about the changing internal environment, with cultural change remaining the key focus of transformation of the Defence Forces.
With regard to improving and increasing the levels of recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces, I outlined to delegates policy measures that have been progressed in recent months, including:
• the extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks;
• the appointment of a civilian Head of Strategic Human Resources, with the aim of achieving a modernised HR function.
• the recent announcement of the extension of the sea-going Naval personnel tax credit of €1,500, initially extended into the 2024 tax year, for another period of five years,
• changes to existing Naval Service allowances I introduced in late 2023, which resulted in Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled, after 10 days at sea, in any calendar year.
• recognition for officers who provide specialist instruction and training, pointing to an agreement in principle with the Department of Public Expenditure National Development Plan and Reform to incentivise qualified officers who upskill to meet modern training standards.
At this ADC I had the opportunity to speak of the significant Budget 2025 announcement of a €100 million increase for Defence, taking my Department's allocation to €1.35 billion.
I thanked the Representative Associations for their constructive engagement on the removal of the current blanket exemption of the Defence Forces, in the Organisation of Working Time Act, for which I approved the agreed policy position, earlier this year. I am confident that this is progressing at a strong pace with the necessary legislative process to be in place by the end of this year.
Additionally, I advised the conference of the recent Government decision to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62, which came into effect from 19th August 2024.
I also noted that RACO members participated in the ratification of a new public service pay agreement, which will see further wage increases over its life-time. This is positive progress in terms of recruitment and retention.
In my speech, I referred to the recent opportunity presented to both Representative Associations, representing members of the Permanent Defence Force, to achieve permanent Associate membership with ICTU, should they wish to do, as part of enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2024.
In conclusion Deputy, I look forward to continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations, in my current role, on all matters that fall within the scope of their representation.
24. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has had any discussions with the president of the European Commission regarding the establishment of a commissioner for defence and security; his understanding of the role and function of this new position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36392/24]
View answerOn the 17th September last, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced Mr. Andrius Kubilius as the EU Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space. All of the Commissioners-designate will have a confirmation hearing with one, or more, of the European Parliament's committees. In the case of the Defence and Space portfolio, that confirmation hearing will be with both the Foreign Affairs and Industry committees and it will be held on the 6th November next.
I have not had any discussion with President Von der Leyen about this appointment. However, officials in both the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs have ongoing engagement with the EU Commission at various levels, regarding the modalities of this appointment and other matters in this area.
The newly formed Commissioner role is logically divided into two distinct bodies of work that have significant overlap and dependencies, Defence and Space.
In the context of Defence, I understand the function of this role will be framed around the President’s Mission Letter, and accordingly will involve amongst other things, the development of a White Paper on the Future of European Defence. This proposed White Paper is expected to be delivered within the first 100 days of the commencement of the new Commissioner’s mandate and is expected to address key issues such as defence investment, developing capabilities and building resilience.
The Commissioner for Defence and Space has been mandated to specifically address issues such as harnessing the potential for civ-mil cooperation, supporting the role of SMEs in defence industry, facilitating joint procurement and enhancing preparedness. This will involve the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy, reinforcing the European Defence Fund and incentivising common procurement through the Common Procurement Act.
In addition, the role will involve a focus on reducing the EU’s vulnerabilities to Cyber and Hybrid attacks and the proposed development of common projects on Air and Cyber Defence.
In the context of Space, the Commissioner has been tasked with implementing the Space Strategy for Security and Defence, fostering a strong and innovative space industry and maintaining the EU’s autonomous access to Space.
The decision-making power with regard to Defence remains a national competence under the European Treaties, and it remains a matter for Ireland, and every other individual EU Member State to decide its own way forward.
26. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions he has taken to establish if any weapons that were used by the Israeli military to fire on UNIFIL positions recently passed through Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42049/24]
View answer28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions he has taken on foot of the revelations of a media outlet (details supplied) in relation to the illegal transportation of weapons through Irish airspace; the capacity of the Defence Forces to ensure that aircraft do not transit Ireland without the permission or knowledge of the State; the analysis undertaken to establish whether any such munitions were involved with the loss of life in Palestine and or Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41695/24]
View answer45. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to reports that weapons of war bound for Israel have been illegally trafficked through sovereign Irish airspace, if he has conducted an analysis as to whether any such munitions have endangered the lives of Irish peacekeepers deployed on mission with UNIFIL to south Lebanon. [42017/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 28 and 45 together.
I believe the Deputy may be referring in his question to a recent report of planes transporting weapons to Israel through Irish airspace. In the first instance, I would like to clarify that the Department of Transport holds the authority and responsibility for overseeing matters related to Irish airspace. As the Deputy is aware, my colleague the Minister for Transport recently confirmed that his Department is examining allegations made in the media regarding civil aircraft flights and the carriage of munitions of war. I underline that it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign airspace without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
I understand that my colleague the Minister for Transport's Department is engaging with the airlines and air operators involved and is working to establish the nature of the cargo concerned. This work is ongoing and will seek to ensure that any action taken is on the basis of established facts. At the end of August, the Department of Transport arranged for the issue of a notice to airmen, NOTAM. This served to further remind air operators of their obligation to seek an exemption to carry munitions of war.
Therefore, it is not possible for my Department to ascertain the specific nature of the cargo being transported on flights passing through Irish airspace, or indeed the provenance of weapons used in Lebanon or Palestine. I have, on a number of occasions however, reminded Israel of its obligation to abide by the rules of international law, and I have also highlighted that there should be full accountability for any such actions that breach international or humanitarian law. I have also condemned any incidents of firing at UN peacekeepers in the strongest terms, stating that it is reprehensible and unacceptable to injure peacekeepers and to put them in harm's way.
27. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department's efforts to increase security infrastructure, including military radar and sub-sea surveillance systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41453/24]
View answerA 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.
Against the backdrop of the complex and volatile global security environment, it is clear that Ireland cannot rely on our geographic isolation for our security, nor isolate ourselves from world events. War has returned to the continent of Europe.
In Ireland, our policy of military neutrality does not inherently moderate the security risks and threats posed by malign actors. As set out in the Defence Policy Review I have prioritised specific enhancements of capabilities in response to the security environment, which includes immediate focus on the development of an Integrated Monitoring and Surveillance System for air, land and sea domains for Ireland and the enhancement of our Subsea Domain Awareness Capabilities.
As the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces outlined the absence of a significant Irish air defence capability and recommended as part of the move to LOA2 the development of a new air defence system which is compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) which also requires a military Primary Radar capability. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Military Radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government. As indicated in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Needs Phase has completed, with the scope of the capabilities having been established. The Requirements Phase has now commenced which will progress in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In relation to the subsea domain, there are two projects underway, firstly 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 has been completed. This working group assessed a variety of capabilities including sonar capabilities in line with the new Infrastructure guidelines published in December 2023. Initial recommendations on an investment programme of work have been approved with a clear direction for the development of enhanced subsea awareness capabilities for the Defence Forces.
In terms of my intentions, delivery of both these capabilities is a key priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest practicable timeframe.
The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. Budget 2025 has seen the capital allocation increase to a record level of €215 million, with a further increase to €220 million planned for 2026 under the NDP. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
30. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the Defence budget allocation for 2025. [42022/24]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group, comprising of Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and Vote 36 (Defence), has been provided with a funding allocation of €1,350 million in Budget 2025 - €1,021 million for the Defence Vote and €329 million for the Army Pensions Vote. This represents a €100 million (8%) increase on the corresponding 2024 allocation.
On the Defence Vote, the overall gross allocation is €1.02 billion. This represents an €88 million (9.4%) increase on the corresponding 2024 allocation and sees the Defence Vote exceed the €1 billion mark for the first time.
For 2025, the key priority remains to progress the transformation of the Defence Forces as outlined in the Strategic Framework, supported by the Detailed Implementation Plan. In that context, this significant level of funding now provided will facilitate further progress and support the implementation of a range of recommendations and priorities identified in the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF), the Independent Review Group (IRG) on Dignity & Equality Issues in the Defence Forces and the recently published Defence Policy Review.
The 2025 Vote 36 (Defence) allocation includes an overall pay allocation of €568 million, of which €469 million provides for the pay of an expected year-end PDF strength of 7,600 and the induction of a net additional 400 recruits in 2025.
The non-pay current expenditure allocation on the Defence Vote will increase by over €30 million, with virtually all non-pay subheads set to benefit from an increased allocation in 2025. As well as providing for ongoing operational and standing costs, this allocation will also provide targeted funding to facilitate, inter alia, an increase to the advertising budget to €3.2 million to support an enhanced Defence Forces recruitment effort; the provision of over €6 million for additional civilian recruitment and to allow for an increased spend on external expertise and services; €6 million for the full year costs of the Tribunal of Inquiry in 2025 an additional €8 million to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs and €3 million to facilitate the initial payment on the contract for a replacement Defence Forces Uniform.
Capital investment in Defence will also increase by 22% to €215 million in 2025 – the highest level to date. This is a clear demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of effectively responding to a range of global security threats across an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape.
The main Defence equipment projects set to progress in 2025 include military radar, subsea awareness, software defined radio and a range of force protection projects. In addition, this level of capital funding will also enable progress to be made on a number of key infrastructural projects encompassing accommodation, dining, storage and training projects across various military installations.
The Defence Vote also provides significant funding for Civil Defence, Reserve Defence Force and the Irish Red Cross Society, and all will receive additional funding in 2025.
The allocation for the Army Pensions Vote, which is mainly demand-led and non-discretionary, has increased by €12m to €329m in 2025 and will provide pension benefits to 13,600 Army Pensioners and their dependants.
This significant allocation provided in Budget 2025 will allow Defence to deliver services across its key strategic elements: Defence Policy, ensuring the capacity to deliver, and Defence Forces operations and will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to have the resources necessary to deliver on all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
