Alan Kelly
Question:122. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a list will be provided of all persons appointed to State or semi-State boards under his remit since 1 November 2024. [46923/24]
View answerAppointments to State Boards
Questions (122)
Written answers
Following a recommendation in the Report of the Independent Review Group (“the IRG”), published in March 2023, the External Oversight Body was established, on a non-statutory basis initially, to oversee the implementation of relevant recommendations of the IRG Report. The recommendations sought to increase transparency and accountability, and to bring about necessary changes to the workplace culture and behaviour in the Defence Forces.
The Defence (Amendment) Act 2024 (“the Act”) provides for the establishment of a statutory Body to be known as Comhlacht Formhaoirsithe Seachtrach Óglaigh na hÉireann (the External Oversight Body) and to provide for its functions. The Act was signed into law by the President on 17 July 2024.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, in my capacity as Minister for Defence, I signed the commencement and establishment day orders on 1st December 2024 bringing the statutory body into operation. The following list of persons were officially appointed to the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces on that date;
• Ms. Patricia King (Chair)
• Mr. Jim Breslin
• Ms. Sam des Forges
• Mr. Liam Doherty
• Ms. Josephine Feehily
• Mr. Pat O’ Doherty
• Ms. Julie Sinnamon
The only other State body with a board under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners, one of whom must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. There have been no appointments since 1 November 2024.
Defence Forces
Questions (123)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:123. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific steps he has taken to ensure the total prevention of illegal encampments taking place across the Curragh Plains in 2025 (details supplied); the costs incurred by his Department in dealing with the incursions and the inevitable clean ups that are necessary in the aftermath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1068/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has been engaged with the CSSO in anticipation of any potential trespassing to ensure that all legal steps are taken promptly to protect the Plains. In the case of trespass or criminal damage, it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to police the situation, and my Department has engaged with them on this issue.
In terms of addressing these challenges in the longer term, as the Deputy will be aware, for the last several years, the Department of Defence has been working in co-operation with Kildare County Council on the Curragh Consultancy Project, seeking to develop a suitable future management method.
The Conservation Management Plan report arising from this process has identified a number of measures for consideration, including a recommendation for a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments and other anti-social behaviour. I remain fully committed to pursuing a modern and sustainable regulatory model in managing the historically important landscape that is the Curragh.
An external firm is contracted to remove waste stemming from these illegal encampments, I am informed that the cost for these clean-ups for the most recent year, ending 31 December 2024, was €185,944.94 incl vat.
Air Corps
Questions (124)
Paul Donnelly
Question:124. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of females currently qualified as pilots within the Air Corps; and the number of females currently in training to become qualified pilots within the Air Corps. [1409/25]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have advised that there is one qualified female pilot within the Air Corps. They have further advised that there are six females currently in training to become qualified military pilots.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (125)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:125. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if his/her Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1576/25]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the National AI strategy and the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies, my Department continues to keep the use of artificial intelligence for business purposes under review. Work is underway on the development of a policy for the use of AI within the Department. A number of staff are enrolled on formal training courses in AI and further training on the use of AI will be provided to staff this year.
The use of artificial intelligence, as with all enabling technologies, will be considered on a solution by solution basis. Any such considerations will be discussed and a risk assessment conducted as appropriate.
No Departmental functions are currently assisted by large language models, natural language processing or generative AI products. I can confirm that my Department does not use artificial intelligence software in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments.
National Security
Questions (126)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:126. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he, or any officials in his Department, have received any official reports or briefings from agencies of the State since 2015, outlining concerns about any members or former members of the Oireachtas being engaged in espionage or activities that could be deemed to compromise the security of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that the Government affords the highest priority to the security of the State.
Ireland, like any other democratic state, is not immune from the risk posed by espionage or other activities aimed at compromising the security of the State. Our security services are very alive to that risk and keep their response under continuous review in light of ongoing developments.
The Defence Forces works closely with An Garda Síochána and other relevant bodies in the State in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the security of the State. The Defence Forces also works closely with international counterparts in identifying and managing such threats.
The Military Intelligence branch of the Defence Forces provide briefings to the Minister for Defence from time-to-time. Because of the nature of and the conditions under which such briefings are provided, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on their content.
It is important, however, that all public officials, including parliamentarians, exercise due care and vigilance with regard to the possibility of others seeking to exert influence or access to information that may be sensitive.
Defence Forces
Questions (127)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:127. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1686/25]
View answerWritten answers
First and foremost, I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and all of those injured and affected by the tragic events of 14 April 1979 at the Glen of Imaal. My attention has been drawn to the newspaper article in question. Officials in my Department are carrying out a review of the files in relation to the incident together and involved a number of litigation cases that were taken and which, I am advised, are confidential to the parties involved. Departmental officials will advise me further when this review is completed.
Defence Forces
Questions (128)
James Geoghegan
Question:128. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by the Defence Forces where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/25]
View answerWritten answers
The following are the principal installations in Dublin occupied by the Defence Forces:
|
Name |
Address |
Eircode |
|
McKee Barracks |
Blackhorse Ave., Dublin 7 |
D07 A065 |
|
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
Rathmines, Dublin 6 |
D06 RX00 |
|
Casement Aerodrome |
Baldonnel, Co. Dublin |
D22 X2Y4 |
|
St Bricins Hospital, |
Dublin 7 |
D07 DC84 |
Departmental Properties
Questions (129)
James Geoghegan
Question:129. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by his Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1759/25]
View answerWritten answers
The following office locations in Dublin are directly occupied by staff from my Department.
Department of Defence Dublin Offices:
|
Trinity Point Building |
Leinster Street St., Dublin D02EF85 |
|
Ratra House (Civil Defence) |
North Road, Phoenix Park, D08YD62 |
|
Office of Emergency Planning |
NECC, Ag House, Kildare St, D02WK12 |
Official Travel
Questions (130)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:130. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by him and his accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024, including flight, hotel, transfers and other miscellaneous costs. [1856/25]
View answerWritten answers
The table below sets out a schedule of all foreign travel and associated costs undertaken by me in my capacity as Minister for Defence along with my accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024.
|
Destination |
Dates of Travel |
Total Cost |
|
Lebanon |
25th - 27th January, 2023 |
€6,171.96 |
|
Brussels |
22nd - 23rd May, 2023 |
€1,353.04 |
|
Lebanon |
18th - 20th May, 2024 |
€8,679.86 |
Defence Forces
Questions (131)
Barry Ward
Question:131. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a timeline for the implementation of LDA 2 of the Recommendations of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1957/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to LOA 2 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with the recommendations implemented to-date having had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
This includes changes made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
In terms of recruitment, a number of initiatives have been progressed to counter staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, The Government agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62. This facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles. The maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists has been increased to 50.
By the end of last year 35 of the Commission's recommendations were fully implemented, with many more nearing completion. Work is currently underway on the development of an updated Detailed Implementation Plan, which is scheduled to be published shortly.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (132)
Holly Cairns
Question:132. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of any public contracts in his Department provided to companies or individuals who do not pay tax in Ireland, including the names of the contractor, value of the contract and purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2030/25]
View answerWritten answers
Public procurement procedures require a successful tenderer for public contracts to meet certain standards, including requirements in relation to taxation, and my Department adheres fully to these, including a requirement for a Tax Clearance Certificate where the value of payments in a year exceeds €10,000. The application of Irish taxation legislation is ultimately a matter between companies or individuals themselves and the Revenue Commissioners. My Department, therefore, is not in a position to provide the information requested.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (133)
Holly Cairns
Question:133. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of any public contracts issued to a company (details supplied) over the last 10 years, including the value of the contract and the purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2048/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that My Department has had no public contracts issued to Abtran, Edgeway Group Unlimited and Forrest Hill Global Unlimited in the last 10 years.
Defence Forces
Questions (134)
Mark Wall
Question:134. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current serving force in the Irish Defence Forces by rank; the total number serving; the number serving by rank in January 2024;in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2127/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the military authorities of the following breakdown by rank of the members serving in the Permanent Defence Force at the end of 2023 and end of 2024 is as follows: -
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General (Commodore NS) |
8 |
9 |
|
Colonel (Captain NS) |
41 |
51 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel (Commander NS) |
136 |
142 |
|
Commandant (Lt Commander NS) |
341 |
347 |
|
Captain (Lieutenant NS) |
343 |
350 |
|
Lieutenant (Ensign NS) |
354 |
327 |
|
Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer NS) |
44 |
41 |
|
Brigade Quartermaster (Senior Chief Petty Officer NS) |
45 |
42 |
|
Company Sergeant (Chief Petty Officer NS) |
228 |
212 |
|
Company Quartermaster (Senior Petty Officer NS) |
180 |
168 |
|
Sergeant (Petty Officer NS) |
882 |
887 |
|
Corporal (leading Seaman NS) |
1,337 |
1,294 |
|
Private (Seamen NS) |
3,505 |
3,558 |
|
Cadet (Classified as enlisted personnel in training) |
103 |
126 |
|
Total |
7,550 |
7,557 |
I have acknowledged in the past the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. 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 extended to all PDF members. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years. There has also been significant progress on pay in recent years.
Some positive trends have recently become apparent. There were 708 inductions in 2024, the highest since 2017 while the number of discharges stood at 674, the lowest in four years. This represents a significant improvement and is suggestive of a plateauing of the downward trend in numbers.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to rise as evidenced by the total of 13,348 applications received in 2024. This exceeds the total of each of the 5 preceding years.
Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. This allocation provides for, inter alia, the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
Defence Forces
Questions (135)
Mark Wall
Question:135. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the derelict housing in the Curragh camp County Kildare; the outcome of the report he commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2128/25]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to vacant residential type properties in the Curragh, I am advised that none of these properties can be occupied without considerable refurbishment and were built before the Building Regulations and associated standards arising from same came into effect. A 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. This report is near completion. Once my officials receive it from the Defence Forces, they will submit recommendations to me on the remediation programme to be undertaken.
Defence Forces
Questions (136)
Mark Wall
Question:136. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of females serving by rank in the Irish Defence Forces; the number of females serving by rank in January 2022, 2023, 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the military authorities of the following breakdown by rank of females serving in the Permanent Defence Force at the end of the years requested, and including 2024:
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Brigadier General (Commodore NS) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Colonel (Captain NS) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel (Commander NS) |
2 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
|
Commandant (Lt Commander NS) |
62 |
58 |
66 |
75 |
|
Captain (Lieutenant NS) |
50 |
48 |
48 |
40 |
|
Lieutenant (Ensign NS) |
49 |
52 |
38 |
44 |
|
Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer NS) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brigade Quartermaster (Senior Chief Petty Officer NS) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Company Sergeant (Chief Petty Officer NS) |
5 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
|
Company Quartermaster (Senior Petty Officer NS) |
9 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
|
Sergeant (Petty Officer NS) |
67 |
54 |
65 |
64 |
|
Corporal (leading Seaman NS) |
101 |
98 |
88 |
84 |
|
Private (Seamen NS) |
242 |
220 |
208 |
216 |
|
Cadet (Classified as enlisted personnel in training) |
9 |
13 |
19 |
18 |
|
Total |
598 |
564 |
559 |
568 |
It is government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces. While the percentage of female representation is low, it is not out of step with international comparators.
In addition to the range of recruitment and retention measures that apply to all members, a number of specific initiatives to attract and retain females are in train. Notable amongst these has been the appointment by open competition of a full time Gender Adviser position (GENAD) at the rank of Colonel. Others include the tailoring of fitness test requirements for females, the development within the Defence Forces female career profiles which will be available online when completed and ongoing, targeted support offered, as appropriate, to female applicants in the recruitment pipeline throughout the application process.
Road Network
Questions (137)
Barry Ward
Question:137. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the roll out of "average speed zones" on national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1825/25]
View answerWritten answers
In 2024, Transport Infrastructure Ireland was nominated to lead the development of a comprehensive national strategy for the future roll-out and expanded use of safety cameras. A draft of this strategy is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Strategy will cover the use of safety cameras across all aspects of the road network, with the objective of saving lives by reducing unsafe driver behaviours that can be detected using existing and proven camera-based technologies. The Strategy will focus on speed, red light and bus lane cameras in the initial phase. However, it is being designed to allow for the enforcement of other violations in the future, such as mobile phone use and not wearing seat belts. It is expected that legislative amendment will be required to allow for future camera enforcement in these areas.
In the short-term and as announced last year, pending the finalisation of the strategy and overarching camera framework that will inform the wider deployment of average speed zones where appropriate, Transport Infrastructure Ireland is collaborating with An Garda Síochána and relevant Local Authorities on the deployment of three new average speed camera zones. The first two of these zones came into operation on the N3 in Cavan and N5 in Mayo last October and the third location, on the N2 in Meath, is expected to enter operation this quarter.
Notwithstanding the work ongoing noted above to develop a comprehensive strategy, the deployment of further average speed zones under the existing legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána to determine and to enforce.
Active Travel
Questions (138)
Jerry Buttimer
Question:138. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport the plans of his Department to support Cork City and County Councils to investigate, repair and upgrade footpaths in mature areas and estates in Cork which are in a condition of disrepair. [2019/25]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Departmental Staff
Questions (139)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:139. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants in his Department, and in agencies under the aegis of his Department, who were on career break in 2023 or 2024, by month and grade, and by length of career break; the number of civil servants in his Department and in agencies under the aegis of his Department who were on career break for longer than five years or longer than six years in 2023 or 2024, by month, grade, and length of career break, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46201/24]
View answerWritten answers
There were 15 civil servants in my Department who were on a career break in 2023 or 2024, outlined below by month and by grade.
|
Grade |
Start date of career break |
End date of career break |
Duration |
|
Service Officer |
02/09/2019 |
02/09/2024 |
5 years |
|
Executive Officer |
01/01/2020 |
06/01/2025 |
5 years |
|
Executive Officer |
07/04/2020 |
07/04/2025 |
5 years |
|
Executive Officer |
27/02/2023 |
13/07/2024 |
1 year, 4 months |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
02/08/2022 |
03/08/2027 |
5 years |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
20/05/2024 |
21/11/2024 |
6 months |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
26/02/2024 |
01/03/2027 |
3 years |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
03/10/2022 |
01/02/2023 |
4 months |
|
Health and Safety Officer |
30/09/2022 |
21/09/2024 |
< 2 years |
|
Radio Officer Grade 3 |
30/09/2022 |
01/10/2027 |
5 years |
|
Assistant Principal |
27/06/2022 |
02/05/2023 |
10 months |
|
Economist |
21/08/2023 |
19/08/2026 |
3 years |
|
Clerical Officer |
10/11/2023 |
11/11/2024 |
1 year |
|
Principal Officer |
01/08/2024 |
03/08/2027 |
3 years |
|
Administrative Officer |
24/10/2024 |
27/10/2025 |
1 year |
There were no staff members on a career break of more than five years in my department in 2023 and 2024.
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days please contact my office.
Departmental Staff
Questions (140)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:140. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacancies, by month and by grade, in his Department, and in agencies under the aegis of his Department, in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46219/24]
View answerWritten answers
The number of vacancies in my department in 2023 and 2024 are outlined below by month and by grade. It should be noted that vacancies in the Department are filled in accordance with DPENDPR rules on liabilities to various recruitment streams, both internal and external.
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days please contact my office.
Departmental Staff
Questions (141)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:141. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport to provide an assurance that no civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years where there is a suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years on account of there being no suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency, that they have been placed on a redeployment panel; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond six years, consideration has been given to facilitating them on a supernumerary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46237/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that no staff member in my department has had their career break extended beyond five years.