Written Answers Nos. 106-120
106. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a schedule of the costs of operating and maintaining the Government jet; and to provide a breakdown for operational costs, fuel, maintenance, annual depreciation of the craft and the total annual kilometres flown in each year from 2004 to date. [2155/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUp until December 2023, MATS was delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft. Recently the Department of Defence has conducted a tender competition to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport and has awarded a contract to Dassault Aviation SA for a new multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft (a French made Falcon 6X) with delivery expected in late 2025. Information in relation to MATS is publicly available on the Department's website, where it is updated on a monthly basis. www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#ministerial-air-transport-service-mats
Given the extent of the historical data requested by the Deputy, my officials are currently collating same and I will arrange to have same forwarded as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
As indicated in my reply, the information sought was not readily available. However, the military authorities have collated the requested material as per below;
Table 1- Average Cost per Hour- Learjet 45
|
Year |
Average Fixed Cost per hour |
Average Variable Cost per hour |
Average Total Cost per hour |
|
2019* |
€1,880 |
€2,320 |
€4,200 |
|
2017 |
€1,665 |
€2,095 |
€3,760 |
|
2015 |
€1,730 |
€2,050 |
€3,780 |
* Data relating to 2021 and 2023 are currently being prepared in conjunction with DPENDER
Table 2 – Maintenance Costs (Spare Parts and Repairs)
|
Year |
Aircraft - Spare Parts (€) |
Aircraft - Contract Repairs (€) |
Total (EUR) |
|
2004 |
The Air Corps do not have records of maintenance costs pre-2006. |
- |
- |
|
2005 |
- |
- |
- |
|
2006 |
23,295.89 |
304,157.31 |
327,453.20 |
|
2007 |
44,449.53 |
100,067.46 |
144,516.99 |
|
2008 |
13,631.42 |
133,537.59 |
147,169.01 |
|
2009 |
13,631.42 |
1,833,430.72 |
1,847,062.14 |
|
2010 |
37,793.03 |
315,899.54 |
353,692.57 |
|
2011 |
34,150.96 |
185,947.80 |
220,098.76 |
|
2012 |
53,110.25 |
362,329.15 |
415,439.40 |
|
2013 |
4,846.17 |
309,331.92 |
314,178.09 |
|
2014 |
28,511.03 |
635,708.50 |
664,219.53 |
|
2015 |
24,030.79 |
786,691.70 |
810,722.49 |
|
2016 |
22,824.32 |
354,288.08 |
377,112.40 |
|
2017 |
12,975.48 |
549,292.89 |
562,268.37 |
|
2018 |
74,736.83 |
381,562.61 |
456,299.44 |
|
2019 |
7,165.87 |
524,029.93 |
531,195.80 |
|
2020 |
131,889.26 |
387,178.43 |
519,067.69 |
|
2021 |
38,122.64 |
621,425.36 |
659,548.00 |
|
2022 |
61,614.53 |
365,365.84 |
426,980.37 |
|
2023 |
36,499.79 |
728,856.06 |
765,355.85 |
|
2024 |
67,395.08 |
656,787.78 |
724,182.86 |
|
2025 |
3,198.48 |
17,322.91 |
20,521.39 |
|
Total |
- |
- |
10,287,084.35 |
Table 3– Fuel Cost / Distance Travelled
|
Year |
Distance Flown (nm/km) |
Fuel Used (lbs) |
|
2004 |
163,324 nm / 302,476 km |
Fuel data is not available for 2004-2012 (inclusive) as fuel usage was not recorded in the Air Corps database until 2013. |
|
2005 |
104,879 nm / 194,235 km |
- |
|
2006 |
95,314 nm / 176,522 km |
- |
|
2007 |
71,813 nm / 132,998 km |
- |
|
2008 |
84,484 nm / 156,464 km |
- |
|
2009 |
79,435 nm / 147,114 km |
- |
|
2010 |
52,565 nm / 97,350 km |
- |
|
2011 |
22,945 nm / 42,494 km |
- |
|
2012 |
41,320 nm / 76,525 km |
- |
|
2013 |
62,043 nm / 114,904 km |
265,231 lbs |
|
2014 |
56,946 nm / 105,464 km |
228,325 lbs |
|
2015 |
85,153 nm / 157,703 km |
362,907 lbs |
|
2016 |
57,913 nm / 107,255 km |
244,669 lbs |
|
2017 |
70,285 nm / 130,168 km |
291,842 lbs |
|
2018 |
97,251 nm / 180,109 km |
374,356 lbs |
|
2019 |
69,524 nm / 128,758 km |
267,887 lbs |
|
2020 |
12,757 nm / 23,625 km |
56,676 lbs |
|
2021 |
53,054 nm / 98,256 km |
201,302 lbs |
|
2022 |
81,326 nm / 150,615 km |
327,479 lbs |
|
2023 |
22,395 nm / 41,476 km |
93,389 lbs |
|
2024 |
Aircraft no longer conducting MATS |
- |
While the Air Corps does not track annual depreciation for its aircraft, a straight-line calculation provides an estimated annual rate of 4.76% for the Learjet, based on its initial purchase price of €9,880,557.50 and an estimated current market value of €2,680,800 (the current average list price for a Lear 45).
I trust this addresses your enquiry.
107. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to protect critical infrastructure in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone and territorial waters; the assistance that has been sought from other states or multilateral organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2627/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. The Defence Forces are at the forefront of safeguarding Ireland’s maritime interests, including the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Naval Service routinely carry out maritime defence and security operations (MDSO) within Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. The main tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, however any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity which can involve tasks including drug interdiction, search and rescue and maritime surveillance.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial monitoring of the Irish EEZ. Two C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment were delivered to the Air Corps in 2023 to replace the CASA CN235 aircraft. These aircraft considerably upgrade our surveillance capabilities.
In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel. These staff carry out monitoring and surveillance of all vessels equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that are operating in and adjacent to the Irish EEZ.
My Department advises that it is not the practice to comment on specific operational matters. As the Deputy will appreciate both my Department and the Defence Forces engage on a collaborate basis with other agencies where matters of mutual concern arise . To this end, Ireland sees the value in member states’ national maritime activities voluntarily feeding into greater European Union co-operation and adding value where possible. Ireland has availed of opportunities provided by our membership of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy in this regard, and is actively participating in the EU’s PESCO (Permanent Structure Cooperation) project on Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection. This project aims to enhance the operational efficiency of protecting critical maritime infrastructure. Joining this project contributes to Ireland strengthening its capabilities in safeguarding subsea infrastructure, thereby increasing its security and resilience.
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his targets for attaining an establishment figure of the Defence Forces to that envisaged by Level of Ambition 2 of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, in July 2022, Government approved a move over, a six-year period, to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. Achieving LOA2 requires a Permanent Defence Force establishment figure of 11,500 by 2028, to include a civilian component. This framework also provides for an increase in the Defence budget to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, as part of annual estimates processes.
This level of funding increase will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment identified by the Commission. It encompasses both current and capital investment. It is supported by a comprehensive programme of work, currently underway throughout the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, as outlined and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission Report.
Working towards these targets, Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. This allocation includes funding for the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel per annum, at a minimum.
Significant progress has been made on a number of fronts in addressing recruitment and retention challenges, and 2024 saw a stabilisation of the downward trend in numbers. The allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector, and the policy initiatives already implemented, is indicative of Government’s commitment in this regard.
109. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the target year by which the Defence Forces are expected to attain Level of Ambition 3 of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/25]
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. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to LOA 2 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with the recommendations implemented to-date having had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
This includes changes made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
In terms of recruitment, a number of initiatives have been progressed to counter staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, The Government agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62. This facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles. The maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists has been increased to 50.
The Commission recognised that any proposal to move to LOA3 could only be considered in the context of a step-up, in the first instance, to LOA2 and following a comprehensive review of Ireland’s defence policy. The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces sets out that it is intended to revert to Government regarding LOA3, in 2028.
110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2755/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ministerial Brief for the Department of Defence has been published and is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/818d5-2025-ministerial-brief/
111. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of contracts a company (details supplied) had with his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; the nature of services this company provided to his Department; and the amount his Department paid the company for such works, in tabular form. [2892/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have any contracts with the aforementioned company. However, this company through the OPW provides the department with detailed information relating to the amount of energy used for all of our Department buildings.
Aramark also provide monthly Energy Reports, Energy Audits every 4 years on our buildings for the OPW to sign off on and have run Energy workshops for staff within the Departments Accommodation office.
Costs associated with any of the above services provided are Nil for my Department.
112. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank, that would be required to train a new Army cadetship class consisting of 60 persons. [2896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank that would be required to train a new Naval Service cadetship class consisting of 50 persons. [2897/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
The Army Cadet Course Syllabus of training is a specialised and intensive training programme of 17 months’ duration. Naval Service Cadets complete a 21-month long period of training. Differences in the type and level of training impacts both the ratio and rank of instructors required for the respective Branches of the Defence Forces.
The military authorities have provided the requested information on the number of instructors required and this is set out in the tables below:
Defence Forces personnel, by rank, needed to train a new Army cadetship class consisting of 60 persons:
|
Rank |
Number |
|
Commandant |
1 |
|
Captain |
1 |
|
Lieutenant |
2 |
|
Company Sergeant |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
12 |
114. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of public sector workers in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare, per sector (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has Civil Service staff located in Newbridge, Galway, Roscrea, Cork and Dublin, with its headquarters in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The Department also employs Civilian Employees who work to support Defence Forces’ capability in military establishments around the country. My Department has no locations in any of the local electoral areas in County Clare in which it employs public sector workers.
115. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a schedule of special advisers attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and-or title held by that special adviser. [2993/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to put in place two advisers to support me in my role as Minister for Defence. These Special Advisers will be at Principal Officer level. All such appointments will be subject to Government approval over the coming weeks following which the relevant contracts, statements of qualifications, and statements of relationship will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
116. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if reports (details supplied), despite commitments to the contrary, that Ireland is to purchase military equipment from Israel are accurate; if so, to detail all equipment to be purchased and the value thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the then Tánaiste’s instruction that there should be no procurement of defensive equipment from Israel based on the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, the Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU.
The Department of Defence recently signed contracts in December 2024 with Airbus Helicopters UK for the provision of four H145 light utility helicopters which will be manufactured by Airbus in Germany. While the Department does not comment on systems fitted to Air Corps aircraft for operational reasons, the H145 rotary wing aircraft comes fitted with the Helionix Avionics Suite, an avionics solution which is proprietary to Airbus. Avionics systems are fitted on all modern civil and military aircraft to assist pilots to fly the aircraft safely and are not military specific.
117. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if officials from his Department attended a briefing arranged by the Defence Forces and an organisation in November 2024 (details supplied); the number of times and the dates on which officials from his Department met with the organisation in the past three years; who was in attendance, to furnish minutes of each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3082/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) was established in 2021 with a mission “to ensure Ireland develops appropriate, leading edge and trusted defence and security capabilities in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, in order to protect our society, create jobs, drive research and enhance Ireland’s economic growth”.
National Defence Industry Associations’ (NDIA's) are the norm in many EU Member States, providing support to industry operating in defence markets in a number of ways, by creating networks, disseminating information and assisting contractors to find suitable sub-contractors. They are important for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and in that context the IDSA plays a role in enhancing awareness between Irish industry and my Department through periodic engagement.
Dates of meetings where officials from my Department have met with the IDSA over the past three years, and the relevant attendees are listed below.
|
Date |
Attendees |
|
2022 |
|
|
18th January 2022 |
Head of RTI Unit. |
|
17th May 2022 |
Head of RTI Unit. |
|
20th May 2022 |
Head of International Security and Defence Policy Division. |
|
12th July 2022 |
Head of RTI Unit. |
|
23rd November 2022 |
Head and Deputy Head of RTI Unit. |
|
2023 |
|
|
15th June 2023 |
Head and Deputy Head of RTI Unit. |
|
21st September 2023 |
Head of RTI Unit. |
|
4th October 2023 |
Minister and Head of International Security and Defence Policy Division. |
|
29th November 2023 |
Head of Strategic Change and Capability Development Division. |
|
2024 |
|
|
2nd October 2024 |
Head of Strategic Change and Capability Development Division. |
|
12th December 2024 |
Head of Strategic Change and Capability Development Division and Head of EU/Industry Engagement Branch |
In addition to the meetings listed above, officials from my Department participated in two events organised by the IDSA on 12th June and 13th November 2024. Department Officials that attended the 12th June event were the Head of the Capability Development Branch and the November 13th event was attended by the Head of the Strategic Change and Capability Development Division and the Head of EU/Industry Engagement Branch.
The IDSA have also participated in the two Defence networking and information events organised by my Department, on the 6th October 2022 in the Aviva Stadium Dublin and the 1st November 2023 in the Aishling Hotel Dublin. On the margins of the 6th October event, then Defence Minister Coveney and Secretary General McCrum had a very brief informal introduction to the IDSA.
118. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and-or service officer or security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3192/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a centralised contract, drawn down through the OGP Framework, for the cleaning of all of its premises. This contract is for a period of two years, with an option to extend by two further years.
A Security firm provides support for some of the department premises. This contract is also drawn down from the OGP framework, similarly with a two year contract and the option for an extension for two further years. Due to delays in the renewal of the Security contracts in the OGP Framework late in 2024, the process for agreeing a new security contract has rolled over to 2025.
|
Supplier |
Tasks |
Year |
Total |
|
Accent Solution |
Cleaning |
2021 |
€102,643.76 |
|
Accent Solution |
Cleaning |
2022 |
€245,097.59 |
|
Accent Solution |
Cleaning |
2023 |
€235,494.08 |
|
Accent Solution |
Cleaning |
2024 |
€303,610.94 |
|
|
|
|
€886,846.37 |
|
SecureAll |
Security |
2020 |
€29,760.89 |
|
SecureAll |
Security |
2021 |
€38,268.95 |
|
SecureAll |
Security |
2022 |
€34,542.09 |
|
SecureAll |
Security |
2023 |
€44,459.51 |
|
SecureAll |
Security |
2024 |
€62,509.93 |
|
|
|
|
€209,541.37 |
Cleaning by building
|
Year |
Newbridge |
Renmore |
Roscrea |
Trinity Point |
Clonmel Street |
NECC |
|
2021 |
€58,538.41 |
€25,209.66 |
€10,997.03 |
|
€1,350.20 |
€6,548.46 |
|
2022 |
€127,239.45 |
€67,412.33 |
€21,934.19 |
|
€12,616.10 |
€15,895.52 |
|
2023 |
€121,053.06 |
€65,150.81 |
€24,222.37 |
€622.52 |
€9,645.12 |
€14,800.20 |
|
2024 |
€162,866.83 |
€70,183.96 |
€27,278.57 |
€22,782.06 |
€249.76 |
€20,249.76 |
|
All |
€469,697.75 |
€227,956.76 |
€84,432.16 |
€23,404.58 |
€23,861.18 |
€57,493.94 |
(Note: Clonmel St. was vacated in January of 2024)
Security by building:
|
Year |
Renmore |
Roscrea |
|
2020 |
€29,760.89 |
|
|
2021 |
€38,268.95 |
|
|
2022 |
€34,542.09 |
|
|
2023 |
€44,459.51 |
|
|
2024 |
€58,770.73 |
€3,739.20 |
|
All |
€205,802.17 |
€3,739.20 |
119. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and-or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3210/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not employ cleaners directly, but does employ 8 Service Officers who are employees of the Department in the Service Officer civil service grade. They are employed in the offices of my Department in Newbridge and Galway.
120. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024, respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMr. Peter Burke, TD served as Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence from December 2022 until April 2024. Ms. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D. was appointed to the role of Minister of State in the Department of Defence on 9th April 2024. She was also Minister of State for European Affairs in the Department of the Taoiseach. The only claim paid by this Department was in respect of mileage and was for the amount of €470.03 submitted by Ms. Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill in 2024. No expenses incurred by the civilian drivers of the Ministers of State were administered by my Department.
