Written Answers Nos. 453-476
459. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if her Department is using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the Department are affected. [2243/26]
View answer460. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence whether any agencies or other bodies under her remit are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the organisation are affected. [2261/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 460 together.
Neither my Department nor any of the bodies under the aegis of my Department use intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers.
I am also advised that the Defence Forces do not use intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers.
461. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence to seek a detailed explanation for the delays with sending a Redress of Wrongs dated 22 July 2021 to the Workplace Commission by the Defence Forces with regard to discrimination. [2275/26]
View answerThe Redress of Wrongs process, as enshrined in the Defence Act, is independent of the Minister for Defence and a final determination on a complaint in this process is a matter for the Chief of Staff.
As the Deputy will be aware, Section 104 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (as amended), contains a special provision for the Defence Forces. Under this provision, the Chief of Staff, at his own discretion, may seek a recommendation from the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to assist with a decision that is ultimately to be made concerning a Redress of Wrongs application.
As the Chief of Staff has availed of this provision and is awaiting the recommendation from the WRC, it remains a live issue and therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.
462. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if discrimination against primary carers within the Defence Forces has ceased as per the recommendations within the Commission on Defence report of 13 July 2022. [2276/26]
View answer463. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence as part of culture changes within the Defence Forces the substantial changes across HR structures their fare or primary carers within the Defence Forces; and how primary carers are considered with regard to career progression and equality within the Defence Forces. [2277/26]
View answer464. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces is addressing and accepting primary carers within the Defence Forces and engaging with families with caring responsibilities. [2278/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 to 464, inclusive, together.
I would like to assure the Deputy that primary carers are not discriminated against within the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces offer equal opportunities for all personnel and is actively working on projects to provide further equality of opportunity for its personnel, fully recognising that a standardised approach may not be suitable for all personnel, including primary carers.
Given the nature of the military work, including overseas and operational deployments, not all primary carers may be in a position to participate in operational deployments at certain times during their lives. The Defence Forces are currently examining ways of making operational deployments more accessible for personnel. Options already introduced include offering shorter overseas deployments on a shared basis.
Following recommendations contained in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces the Defence Forces are working to redevelop promotion systems to ensure they are open, competitive and entirely merit-based and to ensure there are objective, competitive selection processes designed for career course selection that recognise high performing individuals.
Members of the Defence Forces have a wide range of career progression pathways available to them in terms of professional development, skills acquisition and opportunities to be promoted to higher rank. Career progression opportunities are governed by merit-based systems to provide fairness and equality of opportunity to all applicants.
Recognising the importance also of measures to support work-life balance, and in line with the Commission on the Defence Forces, the military authorities are also examining access to career courses with a view to making these more accessible for all personnel including those who may be primary carers.
Proposals are under consideration around Flexible Working Arrangements such as part-time options and blended working arrangements and variable start/finish times, subject to the exigencies of the service.
In terms of engagement with serving members and their families, support continues to be available in both in state and on overseas deployments, through the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS) which includes a team of senior occupational social workers and trained military employee assistance personnel located in all Defence Forces Installations.
There have also been substantial recent change initiatives in the Defence Forces, as part of the cultural transformation agenda, including:
• The recruitment of externally appointment Head of Strategic HR, and creation of a full-time senior rank position of Gender Advisor (OF-5), with dedicated staffing resources.
• The creation of a mechanism to ensure there is female participation and input at all meetings at Defence Forces Board level.
• Culture and engagement surveys.
• Development of expanded recruitment channels targeting under-represented groups.
• Gender, diversity and unconscious bias training has been developed and is mandatory across all ranks of the Defence Forces.
• Mandatory Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships Training has been developed and more than 3,000 of our members have completed this training.
• The recruitment of new occupational social workers along with existing occupation social workers strengthens our ability to deliver this training organically and at scale, while also enhancing the Defence Forces capacity to provide professional support to members.
• The removal of the blanket exclusion of the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
• Provision of private healthcare to all enlisted personnel.
• A new independent Interim Grievance Manager offers members a non-statutory process to have a complaint investigated outside the chain of command.
• Professional training is now delivered to all Military Investigating Officers to ensure they have the skills and competence required to investigate complaints that are raised through the chain of command.
The Defence Forces Organisational Cultural Standing Committee is a further symbol of institutional commitment to cultural transformation. This committee provides strategic direction, monitors progress and ensures accountability in implementing cultural change communicated through initiatives such as ‘IT STOPS NOW’ Key Messages, Operations and Training Musters.
465. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if she and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces are willing to meet a family (details supplied). [2279/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, there are currently active proceedings relating to this case. It would not therefore be appropriate at this time, for the Chief of Staff or I to meet the family while such proceedings are continuing.
466. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence for an update on her Department’s input to the development of the national security strategy; when the strategy is likely to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2394/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in finalising the strategy through the Department of An Taoiseach.
The Strategy will integrate inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Defence; Foreign Affairs and Trade; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as well as the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.
The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues, including the implications of recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorating security situation in Europe given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the growth in cyber and hybrid threats in Europe.
Along with all other stakeholders, my Department will play a full part in the preparation of the Strategy.
467. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the purchasing of counter unmanned aerial system equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2396/26]
View answerWith Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces.
Following Oireachtas approval on 3 December last of a Supplementary Estimate which provided for the accelerated procurement of C-UAS capabilities, a process is now in train which will see delivery of the required capabilities, including training, during the first half of this year.
For operational security reasons, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on this matter, at this time.
468. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department publishes calls for companies to express an interest in supplying military equipment to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2397/26]
View answerThe Department of Defence follows the principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts in accordance with national and EU Regulations, including specific EU Regulations for procurement of defensive equipment, and in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines where relevant.
Under Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 05/2023, the threshold at which contracting authorities are required to advertise all contracts for goods and services on e-Tenders is €50,000 (exclusive of VAT). My Department also advertises contracts over the EU threshold, currently €140,000 for Goods and Services, in the Official Journal of the EU.
Office of Government Procurement guidelines allows that contracts below the national advertising threshold of €50,000 (exclusive of VAT), may be awarded on the basis of responses to written specifications issued to at least three suppliers or service providers.
Departmental procurement procedures are kept under constant review to ensure Office of Government Procurement advice is followed and to ensure best value for money procurements are achieved.
469. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Finland on defence co-operation; the plans for a formal working group to be established to discuss potential areas of collaboration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2398/26]
View answerA key priority 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.
This includes the implementation of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommendations, particularly with regard to the enhancement of Defence Force Capabilities. The Commission's Report included a wide range of further recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding.
More specifically, capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme. This is an ongoing iterative process. In this context, the principal aim of Government policy is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
The Defence Policy Review 2024 sets out an approach to collaboration with other States. It provides that “No nation acting alone can address all of the current complex and dynamic security challenges affecting global and regional defence and security. Ireland accepts this practical reality and appreciates the need to broaden and deepen our levels of engagement on defence issues internationally. In this context, increased collaborative procurement and capability development with partners will also be a feature of Irish defence capability planning to increase our knowledge, subject matter expertise and skills. This approach will serve to improve our defence interoperability, to harness and enhance efficient value-for-money procurement and capability development at the EU level.”
It is in this overall context that engagement with Finland, and a number of other countries has been ongoing in recent months. Engagement with Finland has included meetings between Department officials and colleagues from the Finnish Ministry of Defence and the Finnish Ambassador. I can confirm that a Memorandum of Understanding in respect of Defence Material cooperation was signed in December at official level.
Engagement with Finnish colleagues has already begun with regard to planning the first formal Steering Group meeting which is expected to take place early in 2026. I look forward to the outcome of the work of the Steering Group, provided for under the MoU, and potential future co-operation in the defence procurement sphere between Finland and Ireland.
470. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence her plans to publish the National Defence Procurement Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2399/26]
View answerThis question was withdrawn by the Deputy as it was deemed more appropriate to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
471. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence to provide a list of the top ten capital or programme projects delivered by her Department or its agencies over the past three years which were completed on time and within the originally approved budget; the project name, location, delivery timeframe, original approved budget, final outturn cost, and delivery body, for each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2425/26]
View answer473. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence to provide a list, for each of the past three years of the top ten projects per annum delivered by her Department or its agencies which were completed late and over the originally approved budget; the project name, location, original approved completion date, actual completion date, original approved budget, final outturn cost, cost overrun expressed in euro and percentage terms, and the delivery body for each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2461/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 473 together.
The information requested by the Deputy could not be collated in the time available. I have instructed my officials to compile the information and I will arrange to have same forwarded when available.
|
Year Completed |
Project Name |
Total Project Cost |
|
Year Completed |
Project Name |
Total Project Cost |
|
2025 |
DFTC, New CIS building |
€9,530,592.39 |
|
2025 |
Haulbowline, Block 4 |
€8,871,993.89 |
|
2025 |
Casement Aerodrome, Modular Accommodation |
€1,998,241.16 |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, Block F |
€19,041,511.02 |
|
2024 |
Renmore Barracks, USAC |
€12,580,895.44 |
|
2024 |
Collins Barracks, New Accommodation Block |
€5,018,985.84 |
|
2024 |
DFTC, Garaging x 2 |
€4,133,275.32 |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, Printing Press |
€2,325,649.72 |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, New Locker Block (Pontoon Building) |
€1,825,037.97 |
|
2023 |
DFTC, Cadet School |
€5,374,292.74 |
472. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Defence to detail the annual spend on external consultants by her Department and its agencies in each of the past three years; the number of consultancy contracts, the largest individual consultancy engagements by value, and whether internal capacity-building or cost-benefit assessments were undertaken prior to engaging external consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2443/26]
View answerThe table below details the annual spend on external consultants by my Department and its agencies in each of the past three years and the number of consultancy contracts.
The largest individual consultancy engagements are listed in the table below that. External consultancy is only engaged when there is a clear need for specialised expertise and the appropriate skills and resources are not available internally.
There are three bodies under the aegis of my Department; the Army Pensions Board, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces and the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces (EOB), which was placed on a Statutory basis on 1 December 2024. Expenditure incurred in relation to these bodies is included in the material provided.
|
Year |
No. of Consultants |
Total Cost |
|
2023 |
15 |
€790,714.65 |
|
2024 |
21 |
€1,057,622.05 |
|
2025 |
18 |
€1,534,443.76 |
|
Year |
Company |
Amount |
|
2023 |
Workwear Solutions International Ltd |
€98,854.00 |
|
2023 |
Tobin |
€151,013.04 |
|
2023 |
Ernst & Young |
€175,988.40 |
|
2024 |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
€102,121.00 |
|
2024 |
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited |
€197,900.00 |
|
2024 |
EGIS |
€261,675.00 |
|
2025 to date |
Senior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish defence Forces. |
€127,730.18 |
|
2025 |
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited |
€1,057,012.80 |
474. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if the security duty allowance will be paid to Irish Reservists for all activities undertaken during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2502/26]
View answer475. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if the security duty allowance will be paid to Irish Reservists for activities whether classified as training or operational undertaken during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2503/26]
View answer476. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if a review of the security duty allowance will be undertaken to ensure Irish Reservists receive appropriate renumeration for all activities during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2504/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 474 to 476, inclusive, together.
Members of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) who undertake Security duties are entitled to claim Security Duty Allowance (SDA).
A proposal to bring the RDF in line with their PDF counterparts has been approved in principle. Consideration of the criteria to be applied, in addition to the mechanism for applying for, and payment of SDA to members of the RDF is at an advanced stage.
