Written Answers Nos. 1-26
8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be enhanced, with particular reference to their ability to respond to emergencies, if and when they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the 31 March 2024 the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,510 personnel. This was comprised of 6,087 Army, 701 Air Corps and 722 Naval Service personnel. The agreed overall establishment strength was recently increased by 100 to 9,600 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) appointments.
Whilst recruitment and retention challenges have been acknowledged, a range of measures have been introduced by this Government to address these and make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice. To this end, there is provision, contained in the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
Recruitment continues with ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment in addition to the re-entry schemes. The 2024 Military Aircraft Technician traineeship is open for applications while the 2024 Army and Air Corp cadetship competitions have closed recently with the Naval Service competition due to close shortly.
In addition to the other recruitment measures that I outlined in an earlier reply today, the Defence Forces have engaged marketing and media expertise and the 'Be More' recruitment campaign highlights the opportunity to continuously improve and learn new skills with a career in the Defence Forces. The establishment of the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston will, when fully operational, increase the training capacity for recruits. I also mentioned earlier, the wide range of retention measures, financial and non-financial, that have been introduced.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to enable them carry out their roles as assigned by Government. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies, including security events, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. In the event of an emergency, the Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the Aid to the Civil Authority role.
At national level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
11. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the strategic framework for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Strategic Framework sets out the key actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF) and the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG). It also details the efforts underway in recruitment and retention, and in enhancing the physical working environment and equipment of our Defence personnel.
When I published the Strategic Framework – Transformation of the Defence Forces in September 2023, I was absolutely clear on the immediate actions to be delivered in 2024 to support the transformation of our Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. My priority for this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer reflective of contemporary Irish society, where all members are treated with dignity, is well-resourced, and provides a rewarding and attractive career path for new and existing personnel.
Core priorities identified for completion by the end of 2024 under the Strategic Framework are:
i. Specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces through a well-designed and expertly implemented culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces.
ii. That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces.
iii. The implementation of an agreed policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
iv. To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services.
v. To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
vi. To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
vii. To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
In the months since the publication of the Strategic Framework, the Government has delivered a number of very significant actions that have had real impact on the Defence Forces personnel including:
» Extension of private healthcare to enlisted ranks in September 2023;
» Doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service Personnel; and
» Increases in maximum recruitment ages and mandatory retirement ages for Permanent Defence Force and Reserve Defence Force personnel;
These measures will have a very positive impact on the overall benefits of joining and remaining in the Defence Forces, allied with the implementation of the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024 – 2026.
In addition, enhancements to the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel has also continued.
This significant investment in our Defence Forces will continue as part of the ambitious programme of work outlined in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground is the only thing to rebuild the trust and confidence of serving members.
The actions set out in the Strategic Framework are being actively progressed and monitored. I am pleased with the progress made on each of the core priorities, further details of which are outlined in the first update report of the Strategic Framework which was published yesterday. A Revised Strategic Framework for 2025 and beyond, is due to be published at the end of this year.
I look forward to the completion of each of the transformative actions outlined in the Strategic Framework by the end of 2024 and building upon the momentum and impetus to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have joined each branch of the Defence Forces in each of the past two years and in the first quarter of 2024; the number who have retired or left each service branch over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra13. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join that the Defence Forces have received since the start of 2023; how many were interviewed; how many were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 March stood at 7,510 personnel comprised of 6,087 Army, 701 Air Corps and 722 Naval Service personnel. Tables containing the specific breakdown of inductions, discharges, applications, interviews and numbers offered employment, as requested by the deputies, will be provided.
The military authorities further advise that the reasons for high attrition rates within the recruitment process include a high percentage of applicants who submit their applications but do not engage with the process thereafter, or do not present at the various stages of the induction process. Additionally applicants can be ineligible, be unable to achieve security clearance, or fail at the various stages of the recruitment process.
Turnover levels in the PDF are carefully monitored and the Commission on the Defence Forces stated in their report that they were satisfied that, in broad terms, levels of average turnover are not out of line with other military organisations internationally. The level of turnover in the PDF in 2023 was some 10% which includes those in training. Personnel leave the PDF for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at the end of contract and voluntary discharges. A high percentage of those who leave the PDF do so with some form of pension.
I have acknowledged there are recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, This government will continue to work to ensure the Defence Forces remains an attractive option as a career choice for both existing and potential members. This commitment was demonstrated by the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, which included a provision for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
Considerable efforts are being made to address these challenges. A number of financial and non-financial retention initiatives are being implemented including an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 60, with a further increase to 62 anticipated, the doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance, tax measures, and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay
I would stress that there is no lack of interest in joining the Defence Forces as evidenced by a total of 9,479 applications received across all competitions in 2023.
Inductions and Discharges, by Year and Branch, from 2022 to 31 March 2024
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Inductions |
||||
|
Army |
377 |
311 |
105 |
793 |
|
Naval Service |
28 |
68 |
31 |
127 |
|
Air Corp |
30 |
36 |
12 |
78 |
|
Discharges |
||||
|
Army |
716 |
600 |
133 |
1,449 |
|
Naval Service |
102 |
95 |
14 |
211 |
|
Air Corp |
73 |
60 |
11 |
144 |
Applications, Attended Interview and Employment Offers for the Permanent Defence Force from 2023 to 31 March 2024
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Applications |
9,479 |
2,165 |
11,644 |
|
Attended Interview |
1,229 |
317 |
1,546 |
|
Employment Offers |
484 |
148 |
632 |
14. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to enhance the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and retention challenges experienced by the Defence Forces, not least in the Naval Service, have been well documented.
In an effort to address the continued decline in the overall strength level of the Naval Service, significant investment is being made to enhance the terms and conditions of personnel, in such areas as improved pay and conditions, accommodation and capabilities.
I am also pleased to say that I have recently approved a policy in relation to the removal of the blanket exemption which currently applies to the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act. The next step in the process is to progress the necessary legislative amendments about which my officials are engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
In the area of pay and conditions, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts.
• As of 1 January 2024, Patrol Duty Allowance has been doubled, after ten days at sea. This means that the daily rate has increased from €65 to €131 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea;
• recent wage adjustments made under the terms of the new Public Service Agreement mean that the rates of pay for new recruits, for example, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), will start at:
• €39,321 in year 1
• €40,718 in year 2, and
• €42,005 in year 3
A further 1 per cent pay rise is due on 1 June.
Private secondary medical care was extended to all Defence Forces personnel in September 2023.
The decision to increase the mandatory retirement age to 60, for personnel with a current mandatory retirement age of under 60, will benefit the Naval Service. This has also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles with a current recruitment age below 39 years. The Government has also approved a further increase in the mandatory retirement age for the Permanent Defence Force to 62, which will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant pension legislation to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
In terms of the built infrastructure at Haulbowline, significant investment is being made, particularly in relation to the refurbishment of accommodation blocks, at a total cost of more than €20 million when all phases are complete and the repurposing of other buildings for accommodation costing approx. €9m. The construction of a €6 million new gym is scheduled for commencement in 2026, while the refurbishment of the Block 10 office accommodation is scheduled to commence in 2027.
In terms of Naval Service capabilities, the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades or new equipment, such as a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels, along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches.
The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government with a total cost of €32m. Finally, marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in line with the Public Spending code in due course.
15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for a public consultation on his proposal to dismantle the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the analysis, including any reports or supporting documentation, carried out by his Department leading to the decision to legislate for the dismantling of the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra30. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in the interest of transparency, he will refer any desired or proposed changes to the triple lock to the people in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22149/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 20 and 30 together.
As I have stated earlier; the Government has now agreed on the necessity to amend the legislation governing our overseas deployments, including with regard to the Triple Lock. The changes proposed will give us the ability to dispatch members of our Defence Forces overseas to respond to situations where UN Security Council members are preventing agreement on a vital peacekeeping operation, or to support the deployment of Defence Forces’ personnel overseas in the evacuation of Irish citizens and will allow us to respond to crisis situations with more agility.
In terms of public consultations, last year’s Consultative Forum on International Security Policy organised by both the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs, was held across three locations in the country, in Cork, Galway and in Dublin. This Forum featured numerous wide-ranging and well-informed discussion from across the spectrum, including from members of the public, from national and international academics, and with policymakers on the issue of UN peacekeeping and the Triple Lock. In excess of 800 submissions were received from members of the public and these along with the Forum discussions were reflected in the publicly available Chair’s report. That report was presented to Government on 17 October , and the Dáil debated the outcomes of the Report on 22 November last.
While the modalities of the Triple Lock are set out in defence legislation, it is not set out nor referenced in our Constitution. There is no requirement for a referendum. I can assure the House however that the legislative process will be entirely transparent, and I am happy to again set out the detail concerning the proposed timeframe for this process.
• On 30th April last, Government approved the proposal to draft the General Scheme of a Bill to govern overseas deployments into the future. Work on drafting those proposals is underway.
• This will involve, where required, further consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and other Government Departments and key stakeholders.
• It is proposed to revert to Government in June 2024 with the General Scheme of the Bill seeking approval to publish the Scheme.
• This Scheme will also be brought for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny is required.
• Finally, any proposals agreed by Government will then have to be presented to, debated and approved by the Dáil and Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.
Let there be no doubt that the proposed amendments will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and will in no way affect Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. The proposed changes are not about Ireland turning its back on UN Peacekeeping. Ireland is, and will remain, fully committed to the UN. The purpose of these legislative changes is to reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy by removing the power of UN Security Council permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions.
Any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
17. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail the level and condition of communications systems within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
Further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as LOA2, and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
Cutting edge communications systems are a key enabler of modern military forces and a major upgrade of elements of the Defence Forces secure communications infrastructure is currently underway. In Q4 2023 a framework agreement was entered into with Thales SIX GTS France S.A.S. and Thales UK Limited for the supply of Software Defined Radio systems to the Defence Forces. The initial contract awarded under the Framework Agreement is valued at €76.1m inclusive of VAT. The contract will see the delivery of radios along with associated systems and supports to the Defence Forces. Deliveries will commence in Q2 2024, and will continue over a 5 year period with the vast majority of equipment to be delivered by Q2 2026.
Under the terms of the contract over 6,000 radios will be delivered providing capability in the form of personal, handheld, vehicular and airborne radios. This additional capability will ensure that the Defence Forces are provided with an appropriate modern military grade secure, autonomous communications solution using relevant EU and NATO interoperability standards so as to enhance interoperability. The systems will provide a mechanism for the exchange of data securely in real-time in support of Defence Forces’ operations.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation of €176 million in Budget 2024. In April, I announced record levels of capital funding for Defence over the next two years of €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026.
This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years. Defence Forces communications systems will continue to be assessed in this regard to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is made available.
18. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline Ireland's air defence capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Capability priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the capability development planning processes which includes both an Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The EDP recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. As such, further additions to the EDP have been made as a result of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
In relation to air defence capability the current Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) radar system and missile system are approaching obsolescence and as a result the development of a new air defence system is a key priority. As the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces outlined the absence of a significant Irish air defence capability and recommended as part of the aforementioned move to LOA2 the development of a new air defence system which is compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) which also requires a military Primary Radar capability. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Air Defence is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and the increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding for the development of a primary radar capability.
The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. In April, I announced record levels of capital funding for Defence over the next two years of €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
19. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the role and function of the new civil-military branch established within his Department; the structure and management of this branch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by my officials that, following communication with Deputy Howlin's office, the focus of this question has been clarified and has been confirmed to relate to my statement in response to PQ 20106/ 24 that; "a Civil Military Project Team comprising Officials from my Department and the Air Corps has been actively working on the delivery of this project and they are being supported by an external aviation expert Altea, with legal support being provided by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The Project Team will evaluate the tender documents and will make recommendations for approval once the various stages of the procurement process have been completed."
The project team in question is made up of a small team of Department officials from Procurement and Acquisitions Branch led by an official of Assistant Principal grade, working together with a small team of Air Corps members drawn from a breadth of experienced personnel with responsibility for the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, including aviation safety, pilot and engineering expertise and led by a member of Lieutenant Colonel rank.
This team was solely formed to deliver the project to procure the replacement MATS jet aircraft, and does not represent the creation of a new branch within the Department of Defence.
I trust this answers the Deputies question.
22. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the training that the Defence Forces have provided to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22032/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Government approval of February 2023 and July 2023, Ireland has been participating in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) through the provision of training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
To date, the Defence Forces has delivered 11 modules of training to Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) personnel via EUMAM Ukraine. A total of 455 UAF personnel have been trained to date via these training modules.
The modules delivered by the Defence Forces to date are as follows:
|
Module |
Location |
From |
To |
|
|
1 |
Demining & Clearance |
Cyprus |
16-Apr-23 |
12-May-23 |
|
2 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
18-Jun-23 |
02-Jul-23 |
|
3 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
17-Sep-23 |
01-Nov-23 |
|
4 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
18-Sep-23 |
03-Oct-23 |
|
5 |
Demining & Clearance |
Cyprus |
09-Oct-23 |
16-Nov-23 |
|
6 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
29-Oct-23 |
13-Dec-23 |
|
7 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
08-Dec-23 |
17-Dec-23 |
|
8 |
Mine Flail Operators Course |
Poland |
06-Feb-24 |
16-Feb-24 |
|
9 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
08-Feb-24 |
16-Feb-24 |
|
10 |
Drill Instructor |
Germany |
21-Feb-24 |
26-Mar-24 |
|
11 |
Combat Lifesaver |
Germany |
26-Apr-24 |
05-May-24 |
All training delivered by the Defence Forces has taken place on the territory of other EU Member States; Germany, Cyprus and Poland. In all cases, the training provided or planned to be provided by the Defence Forces are and will continue to be consistent with the Government approval in place as well as the EUMAM mission mandate.
23. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the levels of capital funding for defence planned over the next two years. [22033/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast March, Minister Donohoe published revised multi-annual capital spending allocations across Departments out to 2026. This increased funding will facilitate the progression of key capital projects and programmes under the 2021-30 National Development Plan (NDP). For Defence, this will see the capital allocation rise from its 2024 level of €176 million to €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026.
I welcome these significant capital funding increases, which will bring the Defence allocation to its highest ever level.
Capital 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 provides for the acquisition of defensive equipment and the construction or upgrade of barracks infrastructure. The increased funding now available will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to undertake the roles assigned by Government, while also enabling the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Ongoing and future capital investment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural requirements are planned and prioritised through the Defence Equipment Development Plan and the Defence Infrastructural Development Plan, with a significant number of programmes/projects in progress at any one time.
The overall capital funding allocation of €435 million provided to Defence for 2025 and 2026, aligned with these internal planning frameworks, will further enable progress on a range of critical force protection acquisitions, including, but not limited, to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment, individual Soldiers’ Systems such as Helmets and Body Armour, Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Equipment, Night Vision Equipment and Active Hearing Protection.
It will also facilitate further scheduled progression of a range of major Defence equipment projects, as noted by the Commission Report, relating to the development of Military Radar Systems and Sub-Sea Awareness Capabilities, Naval Fleet Management and Replacement, the acquisition of armoured vehicles, the procurement of a next generation Software Defined Radio System and the purchase of new fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including a Military Transport Aircraft and a Government Jet.
In addition, the increased allocations will ensure continued accelerated progress on a significant number of Defence Forces Infrastructural projects over the coming years at various Army, Air Corps and Naval locations, including, but not limited to, the following major projects:
• An upgrade of Accommodation and New Office Facilities in the Naval Base, Haulbowline;
• The development of a new purpose built Casement Military Medical Facility;
• An upgrade and refurbishment of Office Accommodation and other buildings of historical importance at McKee Barracks;
• The development of new CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre;
• The development of a new Army Ranger Wing (ARW) HQ Building;
• Ongoing upgrades to various accommodation, storage, training and gym facilities in military locations throughout the country.
As evidenced by the significant levels of capital funding now provided to Defence, this Government remains very supportive of ongoing efforts by my Department and the Defence Forces to transform the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
24. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the further consultation he intends to carry out regarding the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024. [22043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for the question.
The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 passed second stage in the Dáil on 2 May 2024 and is scheduled for Dáil Committee Stage on 23 May 2024.
This Bill is an important step in delivering on the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces. This is particularly the case in providing for the establishment and operation, on a statutory basis, of the External Oversight Body, which was a key recommendation of the Independent Review Group. The External Oversight Body will be a key driver in the implementation of the necessary cultural transformation throughout the Defence Forces, including addressing issues relating to dignity in the work place.
Although it is not intended to conduct any further formal consultation in parallel with the debate of the Bill by the Oireachtas, my officials remain in active contact with stakeholders.
There has been commentary, including during the pre-legislative scrutiny process, that there was insufficient consultation with stakeholders on the draft legislative proposals. I consider such commentary does not reflect the engagement that has taken place in the last few months.
Following the approval by Government of the general scheme of this Bill, I and my officials have engaged extensively with the military representative associations and the interim Oversight Body on the draft legislative proposals. The relevant stakeholders were also given an opportunity to provide written observations.
The general scheme also underwent the pre-legislative scrutiny process. As part of this process, my officials met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. My Department also provided detailed supplementary written material to the Committee to assist it in its work.
I can confirm that I and my officials listened carefully to the views expressed by stakeholders and those arising from the pre-legislative process. The Bill as published includes a number of refinements and modifications which take account of the views of stakeholders.
However, in common with any piece of legislation, it is not always possible to accommodate every view that is put forward by stakeholders.
25. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the current number of personnel in all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the 31 March 2024 the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,510 personnel. This was comprised of 6,087 Army, 701 Air Corps and 722 Naval Service personnel. The agreed overall establishment strength was recently increased by 100 to 9,600 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) appointments.
Changes have been introduced by this Government to make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice to both existing and potential members and I continue to work with the Defence Forces to enhance recruitment and retention. Underpinning this work is the provision, contained in the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
Recruitment continues with ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment in addition to the re-entry schemes. The 2024 Military Aircraft Technician traineeship is open for applications while the 2024 Army and Air Corp cadetship competitions have closed recently with the Naval Service competition due to close shortly. Furthermore, two new recruitment streams, an Air Traffic Control Cadetship and a Direct Entry Officer role are being progressed
A number of measures have also been introduced with a view to increasing the recruitment pool, such as the increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and the increase to 50 years of age for Direct Entry Officer specialists. The establishment of the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston has increased the training capacity for recruits and when fully operational will further increase this capacity.
In addition to current recruitment initiatives, a number of financial and non-financial retention initiatives are currently being implemented such an increase in the mandatory retirement age, a new Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance, and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay
These are examples of the considerable efforts that are being made to address recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, and efforts continue in this regard.
26. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment for the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21967/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he intends to increase the strength of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 46 together.
The Government remains committed to bolstering the numbers in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). One such recent measure in support of this commitment has been the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages for the RDF to match comparable increases for the Permanent Defence Force, which were brought into effect in March.
The structure and strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF). The Director of ORA, who holds the rank of Colonel, advises that their immediate focus is on the development of a Regeneration Plan, in addition to focusing on general recruitment into the RDF.
Since the launch of the most recent RDF recruitment last October, which remains open, there are currently 667 live RDF applications proceeding through the system, with over 401 interviews concluded; 368 fitness tests and 201 part 1 medicals completed; 139 follow-on part 2 medicals completed; and 64 applicants already attested this year.
Given the voluntary nature of RDF service and the fact that applicants have other competing responsibilities, there will, on occasion, be challenges in terms of availability of candidates when the slot for their medical is available and vice versa.
A number of measures have been taken, however, to improve the administration of medicals. For example, work has been completed on streamlining the two-stage medical process which has included the adoption of a ‘self-declaration’ process which facilitates the conduct of fitness testing without the need for a medical in advance. Also there has been the introduction of a pre-induction training course which allows applicants engaged in the induction process, to commence elements of the recruit training syllabus while they advance to attestation. This is an important development in terms of maintaining the interest level of candidates as they progress through the assessment process.
The induction of personnel has additionally been facilitated through the implementation of the Managed Induction Process whereby each applicant is assigned a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) who maintains contact with them throughout the induction process. The aim of this close liaison is to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation. 41 RDF units are currently open for applications from potential recruits. Each of these units has at least one Recruitment Liaison Officer.
I am advised that a broad spectrum of initiatives are currently under development, to enable the RDF to develop and deliver enhanced military capabilities where and when required in support of the PDF. These initiatives, will be outlined in the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan which is currently being finalised by the ORA and is due to be submitted to me in the near future.
This plan, which addresses one of the recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, will contain a number of actions concerning the recruitment, resourcing and bolstering of the RDF, as well as a number of other recommendations set out in that Report, pertaining to the RDF.
I am pleased to note also that there is a very constructive and collaborative engagement with my officials and the military authorities on these matters, which is further complemented by informal bi-monthly discussions with RDFRA, the Association representing the Reserve.
The ultimate goal for me as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.
