Written Answers Nos. 138-164
138. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress he has made ending the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28164/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to reassure the Deputy of my ongoing commitment, as Minister for Defence, to the removal of the blanket exemption which currently applies to the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Significant progress has been made recently on this body of work and I recently approved the final management position, which was presented to me, following extensive consultations involving the PDF Representative Associations and civilian-military management.
While the military authorities have advised that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive, the final approved management position provides for the exemption of certain military activities, due to their specific nature, as well as a number of agreed protections for those exempted activities.
The next step is to develop the appropriate legislative mechanism and to this end, I recently wrote to my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Peter Burke T.D. whose Department holds responsibility for this piece of legislation. notifying him of the final management position approved by me.
My officials are now currently engaged in formal dialogue with that Department. The Deputy, I'm sure, will appreciate that while such formal engagement is underway, that it would not be appropriate for me to share the final management position.
In tandem, my officials are also progressing the necessary underpinning required for those agreed protections associated with the activities which are deemed to be exempt from the scope of the Directive due to their specific nature, and this element of the process is continuing.
I'm sure the Deputy will agree that this is a very significant piece of work which will benefit the entire Defence Forces. The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces will also serve as an important retention measure which will ensure that health and safety protections as prescribed in the Directive, are afforded to serving personnel.
The pilot Time and Attendance system undertaken by the military authorities recently, and the follow-on procurement process now underway, for a long-term electronic solution, will lead to the development of a robust system to record the daily working hours of every member of the Defence Forces. This will be a critical enabler in taking forward the implementation of the Directive.
139. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what procedures are in place for the reporting by army personnel of the discharge of a weapon during duty periods; if the military authorities keep track of discharges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28245/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are advised by the military that on completion of a duty, the Duty Officer is required to complete and submit a duty report. Such a report includes details of any instances of the discharge of a weapon and as per DF Administrative Instructions all routine reports by duty personnel are retained at unit level for a set period. In addition, my officials has been advised that all instances of discharge of a weapon will also be reported immediately to the Senior Duty Officer who will in turn report to the installation commander who will determine further necessary actions.
141. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how personnel with convictions for violence, domestic and or otherwise, are allowed to remain in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28319/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish again to express my unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in a modern society or in the Defence Forces.
It is also important that I note at the outset the pride we share in the vast majority of the men and women of the Defence Forces who serve the nation so admirably at home and on peacekeeping missions abroad. The actions of a minority completely go against the values of the Defence Forces and have no place in a modern workplace, particularly an organisation which is there to protect.
The Defence Act 1954 provides for the dismissal or discharge of members of the Permanent Defence Forces for prescribed reasons. Section 50 of the Defence Act provides for the dismissal of Officers by the President for prescribed reasons which are set down in Defence Force A15.
Enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces may be discharged for any one of the twenty-six reasons identified in Defence Forces Regulations, DFR A10 including under Para 58 (m), ‘ a result of conviction by the Civil Power’.
Of note however, discharges are not carried out until it has been ascertained that no appeal against the conviction is pending, or, where an appeal has been made, until the appeal has been heard and determined.
Let me be quite clear about this. The Defence Forces is not a place where someone who has been convicted of serious offences, including sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence, can continue to serve.
As I have said, I have issued an instruction for the placement with immediate effect, of serving personnel in the Defence Forces who have been convicted of sexual assault or rape and awaiting discharge, or who have been charged and awaiting trial, on local leave, on a without prejudice basis. The ability to take this measure is already captured in Defence Force Regulations and I have been clear that it must be applied uniformly in all such cases.
143. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will detail the circumstances allowing sports organisations operating on the Curragh Plains in County Kildare to fence in their facilities, as in the case of three organisations (details supplied); if it was a condition attached to permission to fence that the clubs acquire a number of sheep grazing rights in order to proceed with the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28346/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Department did not require the clubs in question to acquire sheep rights prior to the fencing of their lands.
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues relating to pay and conditions with the Defence Forces have been resolved or are under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28354/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last number of years 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 an independent Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF), which was established by Government in December 2020.
One area the Commission on the Defence Forces was tasked with examining was the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures, currently in place in the Defence Forces, noting that the current Programme for Government recommends the establishment of a Permanent Pay Review Body.
In its report to Government, the CoDF recommended the "introduction of a mechanism to provide for ongoing review of of the application of existing specialist pay rates and allowances to groups and categories of military personnel, and to make recommendations, within public pay policy parameters, where adjustments are required" . It is important to note, in the context of this CoDF recommendation, that public sector pay policy falls within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The government has progressed a number of key measures arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report to address pay and recruitment issues in the Defence Forces. These include a number of projects undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces, and cover a range of measures which improve pay and conditions.
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, as Minister for Defence, 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 changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will double after ten days at sea. This measure took effect from 1 January 2024. It will result in the daily rate from 1 June 2024 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.
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 (which included a 2.25% wage adjustment from 1 January and a 1% from 1 June, thus far in 2024) the cumulative effect of these measures means that recruits, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), will 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 €43,222. This is a second Lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to Lieutenant and their pay rises to €48,505. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning as a Lieutenant begins at €48,505. 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.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength in the Defence Forces is being maintained with equal reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28355/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to ensuring the maintenance of recommended levels of strength throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
As of the 31 May 2024, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,447 personnel. This was comprised of:
Army: 6,036, (Establishment 7,520)
Air Corps: 695, (Establishment 886)
Naval Service: 716, (Establishment 1,094)
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; however, these posts have not been broken down by Branch.
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.
In addition to ongoing recruitment for general service recruits and direct entry specialists, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives underway to increase capacity. An example includes the recent increase in the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024.
Other financial and non-financial retention initiatives are currently being implemented such as the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay and allowances.
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.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each the three services.
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which updating of training procedures continues within the Defence Forces at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28356/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely: Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which part-time members of the Defence Forces are given opportunities to upgrade their skills on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28357/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Permanent Defence Force does not have part-time members, I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Reserve Defence Force, namely, the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve.
Members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service and to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours, at weekends and during academic and traditional holiday periods.
The primary function of training and education in both the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is to develop and maintain capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs.
In addition, the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) Report sets out a developmental path for the Reserve and confirms that the primary role of the RDF has been to augment the PDF in crisis situations and will now also include the utilisation of the RDF on a voluntary basis, nationally and overseas in support of the PDF, where it is in the best interests of the PDF to do so.
The Deputy will also be aware that as part of taking forward recommendations in the CODF Report, a Regeneration Plan and Development Plan to revitalise the RDF is currently being finalised by the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) and is due to be submitted to me very shortly.
For the current year, a budget of €2.35 million is provided for paid training by members of the Reserve. Within this budget, seven days annual paid training is provided for in respect of each effective member of the Reserve. The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2024 along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is considered sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
I am satisfied that members of the Amy Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which equipment in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be upgraded through the standards equal to the best; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28359/24]
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.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues, a contract with Airbus has been placed at a cost of €57 million excluding VAT for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability.
The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025. In addition, a competitive process to acquire a new mid sized aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport has been published on the Official Journal of the European Union platform.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has now been completed, following the delivery of the first aircraft in June and the second last month. Projects for other Air Corps capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the planning processes.
The two Inshore Patrol Vessels, purchased from New Zealand to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, are expected to become operational during 2024 following a comprehensive programme of works, including crew familiarisation and training. Marine advisors have been appointed by my Department to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), as provided for in the Government's National Development Plan, and work is progressing in line with the steps in the Public Spending Code. Projects for other Naval Service capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with established planning processes.
Projects for the Army are being considered in the context of capability development and available funding against the backdrop of the overall Equipment Development Plan process. There has been significant investment in recent years in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion and the delivery of Armoured Utility Vehicles. These projects have seen the integration of cutting edge technology and equipment into the vehicles. Technology is an enabler of modern military forces. A framework agreement for the supply of a Software Defined Radio system to the Defence Forces has recently been awarded. This complex project has been designed to meet the Defence Forces' requirements and to incorporate systems and equipment platforms, it will support the joint common operational picture.
The Defence allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework which encompasses existing NDP multi-annual capital allocations and remains cognisant of the level of resources available, commensurate with Defence policy requirements. It is within this context that the Estimates 2024 discussions took place with the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform, to include full consideration of Defence capital investment priorities for 2024 and beyond. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation of €176 million in Budget 2024, and is set to receive a capital allocation of €215 million for 2025 and €220 million for 2026 following a revision of NDP multi-annual allocations.
This level of capital funding allows 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 on the Defence Forces, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years
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.
Among the major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes set to be prioritised over the coming years are:
• The Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment;
• The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project;
• The ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the purchase of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and C295 Military Transport Aircraft and future procurement of new rotary wing capabilities.
• In addition to these major projects, there is an on-going schedule of capital investment across a broad range of force protection measures, including in General Service Body Armour, a new combat helmet, the procurement of Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear protection suits, and new thermal imaging targeting systems. Investment in transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems continues in 2024. This level of investment in Defence equipment platforms will further boost ongoing efforts at enhancing Defence Forces capabilities across land, sea and air domains.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the numbers of women applying for and enlisting in the Defence Forces with equal respect to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28360/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 31 May 2024, the number of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force was 558.
The table below sets out the number of women who applied for, and the number that were inducted into, the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 May 2024.
|
- |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
Applications |
458 |
206 |
107 |
771 |
|
Inductions |
5 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
It is important to note that a number of candidates are at various stages of the induction process. Furthermore, a number of competitions closed in May such as the 2024 Cadetship, and the direct entry competitions for Digital Transformation Officer, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Gender Advisor (GENAD), that are all in the very early stages of being processed.
In addition, there are other reasons for the low number of inductions versus applications. These include initial applications not being completed or followed through by applicants and applicants not presenting for, or being unsuccessful at, various stages of the recruitment process.
Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework and the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government on the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of recommendations designed to assist in increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.
The Government remains committed to increasing female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps remain sufficiently equipped to deal with any emergency or natural disaster that might arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces continue to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including security operations, critical supports to An Garda Síochána and ATCA supports to other Government Departments and Principal Response Agencies.
I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are equipped to respond, as appropriate, to any such events were they to occur in this State.
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant posts remaining to be filled at all levels in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28362/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the 31 May 2024, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,447 personnel. The attached table provides the establishment and current strength, by Branch and rank, in addition to the variances between those figures that detail over establishment (+) and vacancies (-).
Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment.
I have fully acknowledged the current staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. A range of recruitment measures, along with financial and non-financial retention incentives which include significant progress on pay and allowances, have been implemented to address such challenges.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of Irish military personnel serving at various locations overseas; the level of future deployments if known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28363/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 5 June 2024, Ireland is contributing 430 Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions and locations, which reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. The main mission in which personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 344 personnel.
Ireland also contributes personnel to two other UN missions located in the Middle East, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) Israel & Syria with 11 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria, with 4 personnel. Observers and staff are also deployed to various United Nations and OSCE missions and in addition, Defence Forces personnel hold staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas. Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
As of 05 June 2024
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 124th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
8 332 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
11 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
359 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Op Irini) OHQ/FHQ (Op Irini HQ - 5 in OHQ)(1 in FHQ) |
6 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
383 |
|
|
|
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF (EUMS) |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
EU BATTLE GROUP (EUBG) |
|
|
German Led Battle Group 2024-2,FHQ , Stadtallendorf |
9 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
5 |
|
Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED Expert, UNMAS, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
EUMAM UA |
16 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
430 |
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the course of the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28364/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) provides an allocation of €1.25 billion in Defence Group funding, an increase of €40 million over 2023. The Defence Vote Group includes the Defence and Army Pensions Votes. The allocations for 2024 are €933 million for the Defence Vote and €317 million for the Army Pensions Vote. This significant level of funding will further enable progress on the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes outlined in the Defence Strategic Framework, published last September.
The increased current expenditure allocation of €757 million on the Defence Vote will not only address existing spending pressures across many operational areas, but will also include targeted funding for a number of key recommendations arising from the CODF and the IRG, such as:
• An increased Defence Forces Medical Healthcare allocation to cover the full year costs of extended healthcare to all Defence Forces personnel;
• A significant provision specifically to meet the 2024 costs of the Tribunal of Inquiry arising from the IRG Report;
• A significant increase in the advertising allocation to support an enhanced Defence Forces recruitment effort throughout 2024;
• An increased Civilian Support allocation to facilitate further progression of civilian recruitment and to also allow for an increased spend on the essential engagement of external expertise and services.
The Permanent Defence Force pay and allowances budget of €493 million will be used to meet the ongoing pay and allowance costs of a Permanent Defence Force (PDF) strength of 7,700 and will also facilitate the recruitment of an additional net 400 PDF personnel throughout 2024.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention and related HR issues in the Defence Forces, including, inter alia, commissioning from the ranks, extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants, increasing the mandatory retirement age for PDF personnel to 60, raising the maximum recruitment age to 39 and doubling the Patrol Duty Allowance payable to eligible Naval Service personnel after 10 days at sea.
I believe that these positive, progressive measures are providing further support to the ongoing PDF recruitment and retention effort, which remains challenging in a buoyant economy.
As you are aware, Minister Donohoe recently published revised multi-annual capital spending allocations across Departments out to 2026 to 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, a level of increase which will bring the Defence allocation to its highest ever level.
This level of capital investment will progress the strategically important development of primary radar capabilities, and will also facilitate investment in, inter alia, the Defence Forces communications systems, military transport aircraft, force protection equipment, transport vehicles, military engineering equipment and ICT projects. It will also enable continued investment in enhancing and upgrading Defence Forces installations throughout the country.
The Defence Vote also provides funding for Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross Society and the Reserve Defence Force.
The 2024 Army Pensions (Vote 35) allocation of €317 million will provide funding for 13,475 Army Pensioners and certain dependants.
All expenditure within my Department is profiled and monitored closely and I’m satisfied that the funding allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group for 2024 will enable the Defence Forces to deliver effectively on all its key domestic and international responsibilities, while also allowing considerable progress on the transformation agenda underway throughout the Defence Forces.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to cooperate in air or sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28365/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain since 2004. The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport.My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out the roles assigned to them by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015, which includes the provision of a range of supports to Government departments and agencies in line with MOUs and SLAs agreed by the Department of Defence, including search and rescue services.Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to IRCG in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard setting out agreed roles and responsibilities in this regard.Air Corps SAR services currently provided to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include search support in a number of settings including the provision of top cover support, the potential to act as on-scene air co-ordinator if required and the provision of island medevacs when the IRCG are unable to respond, among other taskings.Naval Service support to the Irish Coast Guard on an “as available” basis in the maritime SAR domain includes Search & Rescue/Recovery support, accommodation of IRCG personnel onboard Naval Service ships as required, enforcement of Exclusion Zones and Diving Unit assistance, among other taskings.The Air Corps and Naval Service also participate in joint training exercises with the IRCG as required, and provide representation on relevant committees and fora as appropriate such as the National SAR Stakeholder Forum under the aegis of the Department of Transport.
156. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the number of local authority areas that are actively endorsing shared mobility as a transport option for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport when a shared mobility strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 164 together.
As the Deputy will know, there are several actions in both the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) and the two most recent Climate Action Plans to expand the range of shared mobility options in Ireland. For example, Action 87 in the SMP commits the National Transport Authority (NTA) to expanding 'shared car, bike and powered personal transporters (PPT) services at transport hubs and interchanges', and to develop a 'strategy for rollout of expanded shared services'. I understand that the NTA have made good progress on this action.
Additionally, Action 18 commits to 'expanding the operation of bike share schemes (including electric bikes) in cities'. This is further reflected in the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), which commits to expanding 'the operation and availability of bike share schemes nationally' and undertaking 'a detailed scoping assessment of policy models for the development and management of shared micro-mobility schemes in the GDA, for subsequent nationwide implementation'.
Furthermore, there are commitments in the CAP to work closely with shared mobility services providers and partnerships to develop more coherent policy and supports, to develop and publish a Policy Statement on Mobility Hubs, and to develop and rollout a ‘eMobility Hub’ model in the 5 Cities. As well as these public sector policy commitments, the private shared mobility market has expanded considerably in recent years, with private bike sharing schemes now available in many towns across the country along with car share schemes.
My Department and the National Transport Authority have been considering suitable options for fulfilling all of the aforementioned actions and ambitions in a cohesive way. Key considerations include the need for appropriate regulation to ensure the delivery of high-quality services, addressing logistical challenges such as facilitating the use of shared mobility modes across local authority boundaries, and the establishment of a sustainable model of shared mobility service provision in both cities and towns.
In advance of this work being concluded, and to coincide with the making of regulations and recent launch of e-scooters as a legal mode for use on Irish roads, my Department recently prepared and published an advice note for local authorities on the issue of shared micromobility services.
Finally, to inform wider policy development in the area, I launched a public consultation process on shared mobility hubs in March this year and published an Issues Paper to help elicit views on their development. By the end of the process, circa 100 submissions were received by my Department. These submissions, along with outcomes from engagement with key interest groups, will help to inform overall direction on shared mobility and to shape a new National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility Hubs which is due for completion later in 2024.
157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of the pass and failure rate for the small public service vehicles test for applicants from County Donegal and in all other counties in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27826/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics relating to the SPSV Driver Entry test is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
158. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the IAA can provide figures for assistance received by PRMs since 2019; the proportion of this assistance that was pre-notified; the proportion of the total number of passengers using Irish airports who receive assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27883/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport how frequent and in-depth the disability awareness training is for public-facing airport and airline staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27884/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
Irish airports and air carriers must comply with European Union Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility ("PRM") when travelling by air (“Regulation 1107”). The objective of this Regulation is to ensure “high and equivalent levels of protection and assistance throughout the Member States and to ensure that economic agents operate under harmonised conditions in a single market.” The Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA”) is the National Enforcement Body for Regulation 1107.
I am informed by the IAA that the statistics the Deputy has sought are an operational matter for each individual airport. The provision of disability awareness training is also an operational matter for each individual airport and air carrier. In respect of the State Airports, I have therefore forwarded these questions to the Shannon Airport Group and to daa (who have statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Dublin and Cork and Shannon Airports) for direct reply. I have also requested that they ensure this area is actioned in conformance with all obligations and that they would revert back to me with a report also. If a response is not received within ten days, please contact my private office.
160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the urgent concerns of the Durrow community and all parties who are affected by the dangers presented by the N52 between the N4 intersection at Kilbeggan to the Tullamore bypass; if he will reinstate funding to proceed with the new bypass route as planned and already agreed, without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I understand that TII and Offaly County Council are aware of visibility and safety issues on the N52 at Durrow, and that work is underway to design a new junction.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
161. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the value of performance-related penalties issued to each public transport provider by the National Transport Authority in 2023 and in each month of 2024 to date. [27937/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
162. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if an electric scooter (details supplied), which is intended for use as a mobility scooter by the owner, is classed as an e-scooter under the new legislation; if insurance is required to operate this in a public place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27944/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish road traffic legislation classifies electric scooters (e-scooters) as a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). The information supplied shows that the vehicle in question is registered as an L1 (light moped) vehicle. L1 vehicles are classed as mechanically propelled vehicle and therefore cannot be regarded as PPTs.
Specially equipped vehicles (those adapted or specially constructed to enable a person with a disability to travel in the vehicle, as the driver or a passenger, in safety and reasonable comfort), such as mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs, are not considered under law to be e-scooters and the use of e-scooters for this purpose is not recommended. Information about mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs is available from the Road Safety Authority website www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/special-purpose-vehicles/motorised-wheelchairs-and-mobility-scooters .
Under the European Motor Insurance Directive (EU 2021/2118), mechanically propelled vehicles which weigh more than 25 kg and which can exceed 14 km/h require motor insurance.
163. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27972/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for their question.
My Department is responsible for the implementation of 54 specific commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, as well as playing a critical role in supporting other commitments.
Government has delivered positive improvements through this implementation, including securing lower public transport fares, expanding public transport services through the roll-out of schemes such as Connecting Ireland and BusConnects, improving Active Travel infrastructure around the country, and continuing to support the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) through funding for EV grants and charging infrastructure.
Key updates regarding the main policy achievements since 27 June 2020, as sought by the Deputy, are set out below.
Main policy achievements since 27 June 2020
I trust this overview highlights a number of my Department’s key achievements for the Deputy.
