Written Answers Nos. 142-164
142. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of plastic bottles or aluminium cans sold in the State since the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS); the number of beverage containers which have been returned by the Irish public under the DRS; and the total value of deposits returned to the public in this period. [43222/24]
View answerUptake of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been very positive to date and, since launch on 1 February, almost 615 million bottles and cans have been returned, with average daily rates now regularly exceeding 3 million containers. This equates to €106 million in deposits refunded to consumers, averaging just over €0.5 million per day.
As with most waste statistics, performance of the Deposit Return Scheme will be formally measured on an annual basis – i.e. number of units returned and recycled compared to the number of units placed on the Irish market in a given year. Placed on the market data captures the number of bottles and cans made available by producers for sale or distribution, not sales figures. Data in relation to the number of bottles and cans sold is not collected by the scheme. Re-turn will provide an interim report to me before the end of October on the performance of the scheme to date and this will include information on products placed on the market.
143. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he and his Department are in a position to provide finance to a medical health scheme (details supplied); his views on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42516/24]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces recommended the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks. This measure came into effect in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. This now applies to all personnel. In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure will facilitate referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests.
This is a significant enhancement to the overall benefits package for personnel and is unique in the public sector. It continues the significant progress being made by Government in improving the employment conditions of Defence Forces personnel which will also, I believe, act as a recruitment and retention measure, going forward.
The primary medical services provided include an annual medical examination, sick parades, GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists, public hospital charges, as well as routine dental treatment.
In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families in order to sustain and enhance the individual well-being of personnel, while at the same time promoting a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
Furthermore, in terms of additional support, the Department of Defence has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Free-phone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors.
You will appreciate, given the comprehensive range of services provided as outlined above, the provision of funding for an additional private medical scheme cannot be acceded to.
144. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is proposing to review current duty rates in the Defence Forces; the last time these duty rates were reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42517/24]
View answerThe Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, i.e. RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official Side - Department of Defence, Military Management and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform - on a range of issues, to include pay and conditions. As such there is regular, ongoing engagement with the Representative Associations on matters that come within the scope of representation, via this C&A Scheme.
The C&A Scheme is that avenue available for the Representative Associations to raise matters of concern, to include issues regarding the payment of allowances and any specific reviews of same. Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues.
In addition to general round pay increases, to include all allowances in the nature of pay (i.e. pensionable allowances, which make up the bulk of a wide range of allowances available to Defence Force personnel) arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Forces have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces duty allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
For those Defence Force personnel who have specialist appointments, based on training or qualifications, there is a range of additional allowances available to them. For example, members of the Army Ranger Wing currently receive an allowance of over €300 per week, in addition to their salary.
Finally, it is important to note that any review of existing duty rates must take account of public pay policy and national pay agreements. The current national pay deal, Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, contains within it an equivalent general round 1% increase, under a Local Bargaining mechanism. All Unions and Associations who have signed up to this pay deal can put forward proposals for consideration for the benefit specific cohorts of their respective membership, including targeted increases in duty rates.
145. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current position with a military service in County Kildare (details supplied); the plans for the future of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42518/24]
View answerI can advise that the Military authorities have submitted a recommendation on the future of the Fire Service in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp. My officials are considering same and have written to the military authorities on the matter. It will be necessary to establish Kildare County Council's formal position on the matter before any decision can be made.
146. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the provision of military housing in County Kildare at the Curragh camp; if the report has been finalised; the conversations he or his Department have had with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage or the local authority on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42519/24]
View answerA consultant was commissioned by the Defence Forces to assess the condition of the vacant housing in barracks and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Force personnel. My officials have provided observations on a final draft of this report, and I expect the Defence Forces to submit the report to me imminently. The provision of local authority, social and/or affordable housing is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Officials in my Department have not been in correspondence with that Department on that specific matter. However, my Department has engaged with local authorities in relation to the transfer of appropriate property holdings outside of barracks that are no longer required for military purposes and that could form part of the general housing stock available to local authorities. A number of properties have previously been transferred and my Department remains open to transferring vacant housing units to the relevant housing authorities, on a similar basis when they become available.
In addition, under the Government's Housing for All plan, all Government Departments were asked to examine their land portfolio to assess if there is suitable land available for housing. My Department has actively engaged in this process and in May 2022 carried out an assessment of lands available for housing purposes within the parameters of the Department of Housing's then criteria, and engaged with that Department regarding relevant sites.
I am pleased to report that, in my tenure, significant investments have been made to improve the Defence Forces built infrastructure, particularly in the prioritised expansion of accommodation in recent years.I am aware that there is residual and historic housing stock remaining in some installations. While much of this stock is unoccupied and built before modern accommodation standards, on taking office I immediately instructed that some housing stock in the Curragh Camp marked down for demolition was to be renovated and modernised for single living in accommodation purposes. In addition I instructed that an assessment be carried out of all other housing stock under my Department’s control to determine how they can be best utilised for our personnel.
147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the new rank of Lance Corporal, as proposed by the Commission on the Defence Forces, will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/24]
View answerThis recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces report has been identified for further evaluation. Such further evaluation requires consultation with key stakeholders, including Military management and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR) regarding all aspects of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications of introducing a new rank into the Defence Forces. Discussions between the Department of Defence and Military management have commenced.
148. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has established or will establish a scheme where non-Irish nationals can be assisted with their naturalisation following an agreed level of service in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42521/24]
View answerI believe it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces provides for the delivery of a range of diversity and inclusion enhancements which will achieve impactful change and ensure Defence Forces membership is more reflective of the diversity of Irish society.
Among these recommendations is the adoption of measures to enable easier access to Irish citizenship for those who serve in the Defence Forces. An assessment of this proposal is set to commence in 2025, in line with targets contained in the CODF Detailed Implementation Plan.
I would add that this body of work will require, an inter-departmental approach, as issues of citizenship are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Ms,. Helen McEntee.
149. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the housing needs of Defence Forces personnel stationed in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42557/24]
View answerThe provision of local authority, social and/or affordable housing is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. It has also been a long standing established policy, since the late 1990's, to withdraw from the provision of housing quarters for Defence Forces personnel. This policy has been given effect on a gradual basis and long term accommodation is no longer provided. I am pleased to report that, in my tenure, significant investments have been made to improve the Defence Forces built infrastructure, particularly in the prioritised expansion of accommodation in recent years.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. As part of the implementation of this Plan we have to date provided some 365 bed spaces at various locations most notably the complete renovation of the derelict Block 8 in Haulbowline, the upgrading of accommodation in Cathal Brugha, Baldonnel and the Curragh Camp.
The Deputy may also wish to know that the following additional capital works for the DFTC accommodation are included in the IDP and are at various stages of design, procurement and construction:
• Refurbishment of 1 Accommodation Block Ceannt Barracks
• New Student Accommodation Facility.
150. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon; if a contingency plan is in place should a strategic withdrawal be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42589/24]
View answerAt the outset I want to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support all of the Defence Force personnel who are serving in Lebanon during these very volatile times.
As you will be aware the situation in Lebanon is currently very tense and unpredictable. I am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions and in particular where breaches of the Blue Line by Israel are close to where we have Irish personnel.
I can confirm to you that all our troops remain well, despite the circumstances and I want to assure you that the safety and security of our personnel is of the utmost priority for both me and for Government.
I remain in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff with regard to the ongoing situation. The Department of Defence is also regularly kept appraised of all developments in those areas where Defence Forces personnel are deployed. The UN has stated that UNIFIL continues to engage actively with the parties to help de-escalate tensions along the Blue Line.
There is no doubt that our troops are operating in a particularly challenging environment, but I can reassure the Deputy that there are robust force protection measures in place to support the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures have been augmented and are continually reviewed and enhanced to address any emerging threats.
All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to maintain an elevated level of vigilance and monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate, and their operational tasks are currently restricted due to the security situation.
It is important to remember that all our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively manage the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.
I also wish to reassure the Deputy that ongoing risk assessments are carried out in the mission area and personal equipment and force assets are continually reviewed so that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their role and support their safety. Unfortunately, no mission is without danger, but based on the military advice I have received, I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to provide for the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
Contingency planning is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments, including in UNIFIL. Given the ongoing security issues in South Lebanon, contingency planning is ongoing should the need for evacuation arise.
The situation remains tense and unpredictable but I can assure you that I will, along with the Government, continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN, the EU and with international community. It should be underlined however that the Government remains committed to our Missions in the Middle-East, with UNIFIL.
151. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of how the recent €100 million increase in the defence budget for 2025 will be allocated, particularly for personnel welfare, equipment upgrades, and infrastructural improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42590/24]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group 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 €100m (8%) increase on the corresponding 2024 allocation.
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, the 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 Defence Vote pay allocation has increased by €19 million to €568 million. This includes a PDF pay allocation of €469 million, which will provide for an expected year-end PDF strength of 7,600, the induction of a net additional 400 recruits and the full impacts of the National Pay Agreement in 2025. The Government has acknowledged recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces and there are signs of stabilisation. There has been significant progress on pay and a range of initiatives have been introduced to support recruitment and retention, including an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62, the doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance, the further extension of the Naval Service tax credit and the extension of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF.
The non-pay current expenditure allocation on the Defence Vote will increase by over €30 million in 2025. In addition to ongoing operational and standing costs, this allocation will also provide targeted funding to facilitate, inter alia, an increase to the advertising budget to support an enhanced Defence Forces recruitment effort; the procurement of a replacement Defence Forces Uniform; additional civilian recruitment and an increased spend on external expertise and services; the full year costs of the Tribunal of Inquiry in 2025 and increased funding to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs.
Capital investment in Defence, which largely provides for Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural needs, will increase by €39 million to €215 million in 2025. This is a clear demonstration of Government’s strong commitment to Defence and will provide the Defence Forces with an increased capacity necessary to respond to increasingly more complex global security threats and events.
The main Defence equipment projects set to progress in 2025 from the increased capital allocation include, but are not limited to, the Military Radar programme; the Military Transport Aircraft project; the acquisition of Software Defined Radio; the purchase of General Service Body Armour and the Sub-Sea Awareness project.
There has been significant investment in Defence Forces built infrastructure over recent years which has modernised and upgraded Defence Forces accommodation, dining, storage and training facilities across various military installations. This investment will continue in 2025 and some of the key infrastructural projects set to progress include: -
• Casement Military Medical Facility, Baldonnel;
• Refurbishment Block 1 Accommodation, Collins Bks, Cork;
• ARW HQ, DFTC, Curragh Camp;
• Air Corps Hangars (2 and 4), Baldonnel;
• Dining Hall, Aiken Bks, Dundalk.
The allocation for the Army Pensions Vote, which is mainly demand-led and non-discretionary, has increased by €12 million to €329 million in 2025 and will provide pension benefits to 13,600 Army Pensioners and their dependants.
The significant funding increase provided in Budget 2025 will enable the Defence Forces to effectively undertake all roles approved by Government, both at home and overseas, while also allowing considerable progress on the transformation agenda underway throughout the Defence Forces.
152. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will confirm the specific projects that will benefit from the Defence Forces' capital spending allocation, which is set to increase to €220 million by 2026; how this will impact operational capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42591/24]
View answerCapital investment in Defence is primarily directed at providing sufficient military capabilities, across land, air, maritime and cyber domains, to meet specific roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In the main, this investment is for the acquisition of defensive equipment and the construction or upgrade of barracks infrastructure.
Defence equipment capital expenditure projects are often atypical, with long lead-in times and are usually pursued over a multi-annual timeframe. The availability of comprehensive, internal capital planning frameworks, in the form of the Equipment Development Plan (EDP) for Defence Forces equipment acquisitions and the Infrastructural Development Plan (IDP) for Defence Forces built infrastructural projects, along with the establishment of a joint Civil-Military Capability Development Branch are key enablers within Defence capital planning processes.
The publication of revised multi-annual capital allocations in the National Development Plan (NDP), earlier this year included increases in the Defence capital allocation to €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026. This represents an increase of €79 million (56%) in capital funding since the government approved the move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces, and will bring the Defence capital allocation to its highest ever level in 2026. This increased level of funding will enable progress across a broad range of priority Defence equipment upgrade and replacement programmes over the coming years, such as:-
• Ongoing Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet, next generation IT, communications and signal equipment and force protection equipment;
• Ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes progression of the Multi-Role Vessel project, replacement of secondary armament across the fleet and enhanced sub-sea capabilities;
• Ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes, including the delivery, in 2023, of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which are now operational, with a third C295 aircraft in Military Transport specification scheduled for delivery in 2025. Additionally, new rotary wing capability will be the subject of a future procurement process beginning in the near term.
The increased level of funding will also enable continued investment in Defence Forces built infrastructure across the country, with the 2025 allocation set to be the highest provided to date. Currently, there are a vast array of various projects underway at different stages of development, from design planning to construction, which include, for example,
• Upgrade of former USAC Accommodation Block, Galway;
• New CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre;
• New Garaging Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre;
• Various projects to develop the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Camp;
• Gymnasium works at Finner Camp, Casement Aerodrome, Haulbowline Naval Base and Renmore Barracks;
• Construction of two new hangars at Casement Aerodrome;
• Naval Base dredging works.
This significant level of capital investment will ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to undertake the roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas, while also progressing the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
153. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to further improve pay and working conditions for lower-ranking Defence Forces personnel, especially given the ongoing retention and recruitment challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42592/24]
View answerWith its approval of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Government committed to a range of actions to address pay and recruitment issues in the Defence Forces. These include a number of projects undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces, and cover a range of measures to improve pay and conditions.
It is also worth noting in this regard that the Report observed that much of the commentary surrounding issues of pay in the Defence Forces does not seem to fully reflect the totality of the remuneration package and believes that this needs to be better communicated.
The Commission on the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations concerning pay structures, which have been implemented including:
• Removal of the requirement for a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank (as detailed above in terms starting pay rates);
• Payment of the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank of all Private 3 Star/Able Seaman personnel.
There has been significant progress delivered on pay and conditions for the Defence Forces in recent years. In May 2019, a newly qualified three star private could expect to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances). Following the implementation of the Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, and the pay increases under the Building Momentum public service pay agreement and the new Public Service Pay Agreement 2024-2026 (the latest 1% increase came into effect on 1st October 2024), recruits on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), start at:
• €40,297 in Year 1
• €41,707 in Year 2 and
• €43,008 in Year 3
In terms of Officers; a school leaver Cadet - on commissioning as an Officer- is paid €44,216. After 2 years they are promoted to Lieutenant and their pay rises to €49,552. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning as a Lieutenant begins at €49,552. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.
As with enlisted, there is scope for further additional income for officers from duty allowances. There are also opportunities for frequent career advancement to higher ranks and to qualify for additional allowances where members of the Defence Forces acquire technical qualifications and/or fill associated appointments that qualify for technical pay.
In addition to the above, towards the end of 2023 I announced new changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, is doubled after ten days at sea. This measure took effect from 1 January 2024.
As well as this consolidation I recently announced that the Sea-going Naval personnel tax credit will be extended for a further five years, as a further retention measure.
Further measures, including the following, are currently subject to further evaluation by the Department of Defence in discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform:
• On the basis that all personnel are paid the full rate of MSA applicable to their rank, MSA will be abolished and the full applicable rate integrated into core pay.
• Introduction of Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel.
• Introduction of a mechanism to provide for ongoing review of the application of existing specialist pay rates and allowances to groups and categories of military personnel, and to make recommendations, within public pay policy parameters, where adjustments are required.
I am further considering incentivising measures for qualified officer instructors who upskill to meet modern training standards. I am pleased to say that I have agreement in principle with Department of Public Expenditure National Development Plan and Reform to incentivise such qualified officers.
These instructors are critical to providing professional instruction to new and existing personnel and have a key role to play in driving culture change in the organisation.
Finally, Deputy, I would point to the fact that the Commission recommended the commencement of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces rank, a measure that was initiated in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. It now applies to all personnel. In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure will facilitate referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests.
This is a significant enhancement to the overall benefits package for personnel and is unique in the public sector. It continues the significant progress being made by Government in improving the employment conditions of Defence Forces personnel which will also, I believe, act as a recruitment and retention measure, going forward.
154. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42712/24]
View answerCapital investment in Defence is primarily directed at providing sufficient military capabilities, across land, air, maritime and cyber domains, to meet specific roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In the main, this investment is for the acquisition of defensive equipment and the construction or upgrade of barracks infrastructure. Defence capital spending is largely atypical and often multi-annual with long-lead-in times. At any given time, a large number of multi-annual capital equipment and infrastructural projects are at varying stages of development, with overall costs often far in excess of the annual allocation provided.
The availability of comprehensive, internal capital planning frameworks, in the form of the Equipment Development Plan (EDP) for equipment acquisitions and the Infrastructural Development Plan (IDP) for Defence Forces built infrastructural projects, provides a framework for the Defence Sector to plan and prioritise the timely implementation of its Defence capital investment priorities - which must remain cognisant of overarching funding, timing and industry capacity considerations.
The Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery & Reform undertook a review of the National Development Plan in Quarter 1 2024. As part of that review, line Departments were invited to submit capital investment proposals for 2025 and 2026. Accordingly, the Department of Defence submitted a bid for increases in capital funding, with a view to facilitating significant progression on a number of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural projects which are currently progressing across the various stages of the procurement cycle. (The Department does not publish details of the projects involved for operational, security and commercial reasons.)
Arising from this process and as outlined in the revised multi-annual capital allocations published last April, capital investment in Defence will increase to €215 million in 2025, further increasing to €220 million in 2026. This is the highest level of capital funding provided to Defence to date and will enable progress across a broad range of priority Defence equipment upgrade and replacement programmes over the coming years, such as:-
• Ongoing Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet, next generation IT, communications and signal equipment and force protection equipment;
• Ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programmes, which includes progression of the Multi-Role Vessel project, replacement of secondary armament across the fleet and enhanced sub-sea capabilities;
• Ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes, including the procurement of a third C295 aircraft in Military Transport specification, scheduled for delivery in 2025 and new rotary wing capability, which will be the subject of a future procurement process beginning in the near term.
It will also enable continued investment in Defence Forces built infrastructure across the country, with the 2025 allocation set to be the highest provided to date. Currently, there are a vast array of various projects underway at different stages of development, from design planning to construction, which include, for example,
• Upgrade of former USAC Accommodation Block, Galway;
• New CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre;
• New Garaging Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre;
• Various projects to develop the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Camp;
• Gymnasium works at Finner Camp, Casement Aerodrome, Haulbowline Naval Base and Renmore Barracks;
• Construction of two new hangars at Casement Aerodrome
• Naval Base dredging works
This significant level of capital investment will ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to undertake the roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas, while also progressing the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
155. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant properties owned by his Department; and the number of which are houses or residential properties. [43139/24]
View answerThe Defence Forces are responsible for the collation of data on vacant properties in each installation. This is managed by the military authorities, and as such, my Department is not directly involved, nor would it have the information requested. The military authorities have been requested to provide the material and while this could not be compiled in time. I will arrange to have the requested material provided to the Deputy in the near future.
156. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the necessary legislative provisions to implement the working time directive will be enacted with consideration for previous announcements (details supplied). [43236/24]
View answerSignificant work has been undertaken to date between my officials and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to progress the removal of the blanket exemption of the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for developing the legislative mechanism to remove the blanket exemption from that Act lies with that Department and to that end, I am pleased to report that it has been confirmed by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD. that the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act, for the Defence Forces, will be removed by way of a Statutory Instrument through the European Communities Act.
Furthermore, my colleague intends to have this Regulation enacted by year-end.
This is a very positive development and as the Deputy will appreciate, 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. As part of the management position approved by me earlier this year however, I have approved a series of health and safety protections for a number of activities deemed to be outside the scope of the Directive due to their nature. These protections will be implemented as part of the overall package underpinning the implementation of the Working Time Directive.
I am very pleased that this significant Government commitment is now nearing fruition and that members of the Defence Forces are soon to be brought within the scope of the Directive.
157. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to confirm that the agreed time-off-in-lieu measures and overseas reunion flights, approved by him in February 2024 under the working time directive, will be introduced without further delay; specifically that all members of the 125th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL, due to deploy to Lebanon in late November 2024, will be able to avail of these flights; and that all residential career courses currently ongoing in the Defence Forces will receive the agreed time off. [43237/24]
View answerEarlier this year, I approved a management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, including a number of health and safety protections for military activities, deemed outside the scope of the Directive, due to their nature.
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for developing the legislative mechanism to remove the blanket exemption from that Act lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). To that end, at official level there has been extensive formal engagement between the Departments in the intervening months and between Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment officials with the Office of the Attorney General.
I am pleased to report that my colleague, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, has recently confirmed that the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act, for the Defence Forces, can be removed by way of a Statutory Instrument through the European Communities Act.
Furthermore, my colleague intends to have this Regulation enacted by year-end.
As part of the introduction of the Working Time Directive measures, additional health and safety protections will be provided to Defence Force Members for specific activities which will continue to be exempted. For future overseas deployments, once the legislation is enacted, I have approved the provision of one return commercial home-reunion flight to Ireland in respect of an operational tour of duty of six months, where the security assessment by the military authorities determines that the individual cannot avail of leave in-theatre.
In addition, I have approved time off in lieu (TOIL) measures for activities deemed to be outside the scope of the Directive. The codification of the TOIL measures in Defence Forces Regulation which will give members of the Defence Forces engaging in activities which are outside the scope of the Directive, certainty of their entitlement to the compensatory time off. TOIL arrangements for certain training courses, deemed to be exempted from the provisions of the Directive, will be incorporated into the respective training syllabi.
These additional protections for exempted activities will be introduced as part of the overall Working Time Directive implementation package.
As set out above it is anticipated that the necessary legislation to remove the blanket exemption will be enacted by the end of the year, that being so, the additional protections will also be implemented at this time.
158. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will advocate for the introduction of an occupational supplementary pension for post 2013 Defence Forces personnel, to bridge the four year gap that now exists between forced retirement at 62 yeas and access to the State pension at 66 years considering this cohort makes up well over 50% of all Defence Forces personnel of all ranks; the issue also impacts the Fire Brigade, Prison Service and Garda; 79% of post 2013 Defence Forces officers do not see a long term future in the Defence Forces due to these inferior and unviable pension arrangements. [43238/24]
View answerThe occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The terms and rules of the Single Scheme – which are fundamentally different to previous superannuation public service arrangements – make no provision for the concept or award of ‘supplementary pensions’ for any new entrants joining any public service group from 1 January 2013 onwards.
Supplementary Pensions are not a feature of the Single Scheme, nor are they envisaged to be. The uniformed branches, such as PDF, gardaí, and others benefit from having fast accrual terms, and the PDF have compulsory retirement ages, recently increased to age 62. This mandatory retirement age is lower than the age at which they can receive the State Contributory Pension (currently age 66). The PDF are eligible to receive the full amount of the Single Pensions Scheme benefits they have accrued immediately on retirement from age 50 or above, as well as still having the opportunity to work in other employment.
Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and conditions comes under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the appropriateness or otherwise of the application of that particular provision would of course be a matter for that Minister and his Department.
I understand that the situation regarding ‘supplementary pensions’ has previously been confirmed at various times by the Official Side, which includes the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The position is that – given the overriding policy and fiscal objectives of the Single Scheme – supplementary pensions are inconsistent with the terms of the Single Pension Scheme Act 2012; and that there are no plans to review the Act.
159. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that Donegal Airport will not be subject to any reduction in flights as a result of passenger caps; if he has met with the airline or the Irish Aviation Authority on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43650/24]
View answer214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport following the Tánaiste’s comments 10 October 2024, if he will ensure that the only PSO route in the country is excluded from any plan to reduce flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43134/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 214 together.
I first wish to clarify to the Deputy that there is more than one Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service funded by the Irish Exchequer, but only one which is operated under contract by my Department.
As the Deputy is aware, this PSO service between Donegal and Dublin is the only PSO route operating to Dublin Airport. This contract, which provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport, marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to the North-West.
Government recognises the important role this service plays in providing the people and businesses in this remote region with daily air services to Dublin to attend medical and other important appointments. As well as supporting Government’s commitment to balanced regional development, these services also support growth of the economy and tourism in the region.
I am aware of concerns that have been raised in relation to slot reductions at Dublin Airport and the impact this may have on existing air services and potentially on the PSO air service.
However, as I advised to the House during Parliamentary Questions last week, there is a provision in the EU slot regulation which provides that slots may be reserved by Member States for the operation of PSO air services. I subsequently met with the airline last Thursday and informed them of this position.
My Department are also continuing to engage with the Irish Aviation Authority, who are responsible for slot allocation at Dublin Airport, on this matter.
160. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to have works carried out at Mallow train station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42375/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the station at Mallow, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I am referring your letter for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport why people are not allowed to use the toilet facilities on new buses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42376/24]
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 Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to install toilet and shelter facilities at the Red Cow Luas stop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42377/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to toilet and shelter facilities at the Red Cow Luas stop are a matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
163. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport what further progress has been made on the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42378/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €300,000 was initially allocated for the Mallow Relief Road project in 2024. This was subsequently increased to €800,000 to enable the completion of the environmental impact assessment report. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
164. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42379/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €4,040,000 has been allocated for the M20 Cork to Limerick project in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
