Written Answers Nos. 59-84
69. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to screen members of the Defence Forces for misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, or racist attitudes that could make them a threat to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28213/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question.
There is no place in the Defence Forces for an individual those attitudes.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices.
Psychometric testing was introduced in 2012 to form part of the induction and candidate assessment process for General Service Recruits. In the intervening time, I have been advised that the Military Authorities have revised the approach to psychometric testing on a number of occasions and extended its use to the Cadetship and Apprenticeship Competitions. The result of a psychometric test is one of a number of factors utilised in determining overall suitability for admission to the PDF.
I have been further advised, as recommended by the IRG report, that the Defence Forces is piloting the use of a Cultural Capability Assessment test as part of the selection process for a number of bespoke competitions and will take learnings from the pilot for wider usage in the future.
In addition, all candidates must receive security clearance to be enlisted or inducted into the Defence Forces.
Security vetting has a number of layers and is conducted in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. The process has changed and has been modernised in recent years and is kept under ongoing review.
In line with the commitment to a cultural transformation programme and ensuring that all serving members, fully recognise and live by the values of the Defence Forces, an Organisational Culture Standing Committee (OCSC), which was conveyed by the Chief of Staff in November 2021, is driving and coordinating the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces. Similar structures have also been established in all Defence Forces Formations.
Since the launch of the OCSC, a number of culture change projects have been developed and implemented. These include,
• Sexual Ethics and Responsible Relationship (SERR) workshops. These workshops are ongoing since September 2023 and are mandatory for all personnel to attend;
• Briefing packages to all Defence Forces instructors and students;
• Gender, Diversity, Unconscious Bias Training;
• A series of videos representing the profiles of female serving personnel;
• The amplification of the ‘It Stops Now’ campaign.
As part of the year round performance management process, each member of the Defence Forces also receives an annual appraisal from their Commanding Officer, in accordance with the criteria laid down in the relevant Defence Forces Regulations.
This document captures an individual’s conduct of their duties during the year. For Enlisted Personnel it also captures the conduct rating for the individual. Annual appraisals assess an individual’s professional attitudes towards their duties, superiors and subordinates and professional conduct.
Furthermore, I have been advised that Occupational Personality Questionnaire assessments have been recently piloted as part of Senior Officer Promotion Competitions.
In addition to progressing cultural change within the Defence Forces, the selection processes will be kept under on-going review to ensure that they deliver an appropriate methodology to determine suitability for entry to the Defence Forces.
72. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the improvements that have been made in terms of pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28147/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, members of the Defence Forces have benefitted from a range of pay increases associated with national pay agreements. In addition to these pay increases, members of the Defence Forces have further benefitted from specific recommendations arising from recommendations in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF), which was established by Government in December 2020.
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.
Furthermore, in 2023 I announced the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces personnel, a measure which commenced 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 facilitates referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests.
In addition to the above, I introduced significant changes to Naval Service sea going allowances.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure took effect from 1 January 2024. This has resulted in the daily rate increasing from €66.79 to €133.58 for an officer, and from €66.38 to €132.76 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea in a calendar year.
Having due regard to all of the measures mentioned it is therefore important to note that significant progress has been delivered on pay and conditions, for the Defence Forces, in recent years. Following the implementation of the Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, as well as the ratification of a new public service pay agreement in 2024 (with 2.25% wage adjustment from 1 January 2024, 1% from 1 June 2024 and a further 1% from 1 October 2024), this means that recruits, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), now start at:
• €39,714 in year 1
• €41,125 in year 2, and
• €42,425 in year 3
In terms of Officers, a school-leaver Cadet - on commissioning as an Officer- is paid €43,654. This is a second Lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to Lieutenant and their pay rises to €48,990. 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.
Remuneration for individual members of the Defence Forces is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum payment for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance. Defence Force personnel also have access to other remuneration streams, such as technical and specialist pay, while at the same time a wide range of duties attract additional allowances.
73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of volunteers secured to participate in an EU Battlegroup. [28129/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will withdraw members of the Defence Forces from participation in a German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28215/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 103 together.
Military management has advised that 75% of the volunteers are secured with 139 EU Battlegroup appointments made to date out of the 186 personnel committed. The expectation is that the remaining posts will be fully filled in the coming months, in advance of the first EU Battlegroup 2025 training exercise in Germany in the autumn.
The 186 personnel will be comprised of a Group HQ consisting of 4 personnel, Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 139 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 29 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters.
This figure of 186 personnel includes an additional 4 personnel posts in a National Logistics Support Group to be based in Germany to aid the transport and storage of DF equipment.
The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) is located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) is based in Strasbourg, France.
Ireland’s active engagement in EU Battlegroups demonstrates our commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and demonstrates our commitment to the EU's Common Security & Defence Policy.
It enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations.
Furthermore, the Defence Forces participation in Battlegroups supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for peacekeeping operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation, as well as in relation to demonstrating the interoperability of our Defence Forces.
Participation in a Battlegroup has no effect on our traditional policy of military neutrality and our commitment to a Battlegroup does not involve any commitment to common or mutual defence. There is no intention to withdraw members of the Defence Forces from participation in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025.
77. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the current situation in south Lebanon; the current activities of the Defence Forces on the UNIFIL mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27951/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on Ireland’s participation with UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28195/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 101 together.
I remain deeply concerned by rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The potential for further regional escalation remains high. Reports received from UNIFIL indicate that the situation in Irish area of operation remains dynamic and unpredictable with kinetic activity continuing to emanate from North and South of the Blue Line. A widening of this conflict would have devastating consequences. It is vital that all parties work to de-escalate the situation.
As recently as May, I visited the Irish deployment in UNIFIL to gain a further appreciation of the situation on the ground facing our troops, as well as to express my own and the Government’s appreciation for the valuable role they carry out in South Lebanon. Indeed, I saw for myself two incidences of Israeli fire into South Lebanon while I was there.
It is important also to note that Defence Forces’ peacekeepers are well trained prior to deployment, including anticipating events such as occasions of sporadic fire in their Area of Operations, and including the circumstances in which they find themselves currently, which may require taking shelter in protected positions. In each of the missions in the Middle East including UNIFIL, personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions (termed a GROUNDHOG) as and when appropriate.
Ireland is currently contributing 344 Defence Forces personnel to UNIFIL. The Government has also recently approved the deployment of an extra platoon of 33 Irish troops to serve as an additional force protection element with the Irish Battalion located in UNIFIL, and it is intended that these troops will deploy later this month.
The safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel stationed in the region remains of paramount concern to the Government however, and the Defence Forces remain in ongoing contact with the three UN missions in the Middle East (UNIFIL, UNTSO and UNDOF) throughout the current unrest, and advise that all Irish personnel are accounted for and are safe and well.
I remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on this matter, however and I and the Department of Defence are kept regularly apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Both myself and Government will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
78. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to bring legislation to end the triple lock to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28214/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will withdraw plans for legislation to end the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 140 together.
On 30 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 well underway. This involves, where required, further consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and across Government Departments and key stakeholders.
Subject to receipt of advice from the Attorney General, I will be reverting to Government shortly with the General Scheme of the Bill. Once approved by Government, the Scheme will be referred for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny is required.
As this legislation advances, there will be ample opportunity for members of the Oireachtas to scrutinise and debate its contents within the Dáil and Seanad.
It is important to emphasise that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. 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.
79. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the recruitment targets in place for the Defence Forces in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28134/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the current situation with respect to recruitment in the permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28229/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 81 together.
As of 31 May 2024, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,447 personnel, and 210 personnel had been inducted.
Challenges in the recruitment and retention of personnel have been acknowledged and measures have been taken to address these. The military authorities initially projected an induction figure of 540 for 2024 but I did not believe that to be sufficiently ambitious. On that basis, I instructed that this number be substantially increased, both for enlisted personnel and Cadets. This will be facilitated by the allocation of €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, which includes a provision for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel.
As part of other strategies to increase recruitment, a Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanston, and the military authorities have advised that when fully operational, it will enable induction training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum.
The General Service recruitment and the re-entry schemes are continuing. The 2024 cadetship competitions closed recently and applications are currently being processed. Recruitment of Direct Entry specialists is ongoing. Two new competitions were launched this year, namely an Air Corps Air Traffic Controller cadetship, and a Direct Entry competition for Air Corps Aeronautical Engineer.
As a measure to remove potential obstacles to recruitment, the maximum recruitment age was recently increased to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that and applies to General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists. The maximum age of recruitment for Direct Entry Officer specialists was increased to 50 years.
My Department engaged an external company in 2023 to validate and assess the Defence Forces current recruitment methods, focusing initially on the Naval Service, and the resulting recommendations are being progressed, including the outsourcing of the recruitment function in the Naval Service.
Naval Service specific initiatives include a bespoke recruitment campaign and advertising that launched in 2023 and continues in 2024. Additionally, a marine recruitment specialist company has been contracted to target individuals with the specialist skills required by the Naval Service.
Financial and non-financial retention initiatives have also been introduced including the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF. There has been significant progress on pay and a doubling of the amount of the Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, after the first ten days in a calendar year. Additionally, the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel was increased recently to 60 years of age.
It should be noted that interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains strong with 9,479 applications received in 2023 and 6,045 received in 2024 as at 31 May.
In respect of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), the military authorities have advised that, as of 31 May 2024, the effective strength of the Army Reserve was 1,404 personnel, for the Naval Service Reserve was 91 personnel and for the First Line Reserve stood at 176 personnel. Reserve Defence Force recruitment efforts also continue and the recruitment campaign, which opened last October, is ongoing. This has resulted in 149 applicants being attested to date in 2024, which compares favourably to the 66 inductions that took place in 2023. A further 771 applications are currently being processed.
80. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that a member of the Naval Service was convicted in 2023 of gender-based violence that left their victim, their former partner, with permanent eye damage, and that the perpetrator remains in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I cannot comment on individual cases. I have earlier outlined my unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in a modern society or in our Defence Forces.
Defence Force Regulations, DFR A10 provide that a serving member may be discharged upon conviction by the civil power of an offence and sets out the process for consideration of such discharge.
I can confirm that the process in line with this Regulation in a number of cases is in train. I will refrain from further comment at this time.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have instructed that with immediate effect, serving members, either before the Courts on serious sexual assault or rape, or convicted and awaiting discharge, are to be put in local leave, on a without prejudice basis. There are provisions in the Regulations for this measure and I've made it clear that it must be implemented uniformly across the Organisation.
82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 21 of 6 May 2024, the details of the resources allocated to the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the number of support and administrative staff that have been appointed to the tribunal; the details of the legal supports, if any, that will be provided to people who make submissions to the tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28182/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the funding made available the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Matters Relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces; and if funding will be provided to ensure adequate support for those who wish to give testimony before the Inquiry. [28126/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 86 together.
Following the approval by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann of the motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry, I recently signed a Statutory Instrument to give effect to the formal establishment of the Tribunal.
The Tribunal of Inquiry will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel
An allocation of €3.6m has been provided in the Defence Vote as part of the agreed Estimates for 2024 to support the establishment and the work of the Tribunal. Further allocations for subsequent years will be agreed as part of the annual Estimates process for each year.
Ms. Justice Ann Power was appointed as the Sole Member of the Tribunal and delivered the Tribunal's Opening Statement at its first public sitting on Monday 24 June last. A transcript of this can be found on the Tribunal's website at www.toidf.ie.
Decisions on the granting of legal representation are entirely a matter for the Tribunal and the application process is set out in the Rules of Procedure for the Tribunal which can also be found on the Tribunal's website. In this regard, the Rules of Procedure also address the issue of applications for costs.
The Tribunal is currently supported in its task by a legal team comprising three Senior Counsel, one Junior Counsel, two Documentary Counsel and a Solicitor. Details of the Tribunal's legal team are provided on its website. The Tribunal is also supported by an administrative team which comprises a Registrar and three office staff.
83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in advancing the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, with particular reference to the locations of Defence Forces formations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. 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.
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 21 recommendations completed and work ongoing across many others. Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. While we are still in the early stages of the transformation process, a number of recommendations that have been implemented to-date have had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.The Detailed Implementation Plan sets out the significant progress that is expected in 2024. By the end of this year it is anticipated that 54 of the Commission's recommendations will be fully implemented, with many more being progressed over the course of the year.
There are a number of Government approved, Commission recommendations contained in the report which may impact on the structure of the Defence Forces including that the structure of the Army be reviewed, and in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered.
The recommendation, that the structure of the Army be reviewed, was identified as an Early Action in the High Level Action Plan. However, no decisions on the future disposition or locations of Defence Forces formations, installations and personnel have been made at this time. In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, military authorities have established an office of Army Force Design which will undertake the significant work required to give effect to this recommendation.
Transformation efforts of the magnitude recommend by the Commission 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.
84. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department's tendering process for the supply of equipment for the Defence Forces takes into consideration if a company has had business deals with repressive regimes or has been convicted of bribery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28236/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procurement procedures are EU law requirements that have to be complied with. This is to ensure fair competition, transparency and equal treatment between suppliers through the advertising of the tender competition on the e-Tenders or the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender platforms.
The Department of Defence carries out its procurement functions in accordance with legislation and is obliged to follow the procurement regulations in the selection of economic operators with regard to the award of contracts. Public procurement regulations require applicants to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts. The criteria upon which contracting authorities may exclude applicants from the award procedure of public contracts in the fields of defence and security are set out in Regulation 42 of S.I. No. 62 of 2012 European Union (Award of Contracts relating to Defence and Security) Regulations 2012.
These regulations set out that the Department as the contracting authority shall exclude from consideration any person who, to the knowledge of the Department, has been convicted of an offence involving participation in a prescribed criminal organisation, corruption, fraud, terrorist offences or offences linked to terrorist activities, or money laundering.
