Written answers
Thursday, 13 July 2017
Department of Defence
Departmental Surveys
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1342. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views regarding his Department's survey on whether there is a widespread concern among the focus groups that the loss of experience and corporate knowledge is reaching a critical point in the Defence Forces and that it is affecting operational readiness and capability; and the actions he will take on foot of this finding. [34863/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1343. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views regarding the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that officers and NCOs at all levels raised the issue of privates' pay (details supplied); and he steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34864/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1344. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that pay was directly impacting on turnover levels of privates in the Defence Forces (details supplied); and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34865/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1345. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that it is clear from the data available and from the focus groups that there are significant middle management gaps at barrack and unit level within the Defences Forces (details supplied); and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34866/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1346. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that all of the focus groups from private to senior officers reported severe shortages of officers in unit and that the individual consequences of these gaps for officers are increased workload and so on (details supplied); and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34867/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1347. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether there is evidence from the focus groups of a dysfunctional cycle of turnover developing in view of the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey; and the steps he will take on foot on this finding. [34868/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1348. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether there is a pervasive perception that the senior leaders of the Defence Forces are not representing their troops in the manner they expect in view of the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey; and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34869/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1349. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that there is a sense of disconnect with the general staff; and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34870/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1350. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether there is a need to review the relationship between his Department, the Defence Forces and the representative bodies and that there is a perception across rank and file that this relationship is not a collaborative one in view of the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey; and the steps he will take on foot of this finding. [34871/17]
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1351. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that there is a leadership vacuum being experienced at unit level (details supplied); and the action he will take on foot of this finding. [34872/17]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1342 to 1351, inclusive, together.
The latest report referred to by the Deputy has not yet been released. This report is a follow up to the first phase of the Climate Study and it further explores the issues raised in the original survey. The Focus Groups engaged in the study were conducted towards the latter end of last year and early this year. The comments quoted therein cover a wide range of issues relating to human resources management including, amongst others, pay and conditions (particularly pay for the lowest paid members of the Defence Forces), vacancies, recruitment and retention, promotion systems, performance management, leadership, culture, stress and work-life balance.
The Deputy has asked a range of questions relating to specific comments within the report. As advised by the University of Limerick, their findings and recommendations are interconnected and caution should apply to reading any one particular finding in isolation. In this context, I have addressed the questions in the round in line with the holistic approach being taken in response to the Study.
Public Service pay is based on collective agreements negotiated with public service trade unions and representative associations. Since the survey was carried out, PDFORRA has signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), resulting in increases in pay/salary for all their members. In addition, recent adjustments to salary scales will significantly benefit general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since January 2013 (increases of between 8% and 24% depending on the scale point). Further benefits are provided for under the extended LRA. The extended LRA proposals are under consideration by the Representative Associations.
I believe that we now have the processes in place to deliver a more effective, energetic and sustainable Defence Forces with a positive outlook into the future. Delivering on that positive environment and outlook is my objective, together with my Department and the Chief of Staff.
I was briefed on the Report at the end of June and directed that the IMG Oversight Group be briefed. I am due to meet the Representative Associations on 13 July 2017 to discuss the issues raised in the report. It is then my intention to consider publication of the report. The broad range of HR issues raised in the study will be further explored by senior management.
As the Deputy will be aware there is a significant ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation. This study was intended to inform that work.
I have instructed both civil and military management to bring forward proposals in respect of retaining specialists, providing for re-entry and where appropriate, direct entry and I expect to be in receipt of those shortly. The Public Service Pay Commission will further examine the issue of retention of specialist personnel in accordance with the provisions of the recent Pay Agreement.
I believe that this process has provided an opportunity for members of the Defence Forces including the Representative Associations to express their views and inform consideration of HR policy. This is to be welcomed.
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