Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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45. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to Irish controlled airspace repeatedly being entered by Russian aircraft with its transponders turned off; his views on the need for the State to have the capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in the air space for which it is responsible; and if he will report on this issue. [34674/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace, military or otherwise and irrespective of whether the transponder is switched on or not. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.

The IAA exercises Air Traffic Control responsibilities for an airspace of some 450,000 sq. kms comprising of both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, both civil and military, is monitored and controlled by the IAA in respect of this airspace and in line with ICAO rules it is normal practice for the IAA to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace.

In answer to the Deputy's specific question of capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in our air space, it remains Government policy, as per the 2015 White Paper on Defence, that should additional funding, beyond that provided for in existing plans, becomes available the development a radar surveillance capability will be considered. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence, reinforced by the White Paper Update 2019, as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process.

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects to be advanced over the next five years. The EDP includes reference to a primary radar project. Consideration of this project will be prioritised should additional appropriate funding become available. The overall priorities in the EDP will remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability.

Acquisition of primary radar capability would have to be assessed against the significant investment of public funds, in respect of both the initial investment and the on-going operational costs, which would have to be considered alongside other spending priorities and the nature of the threats Ireland faces.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there is a timeframe for the numbers in the Defence Forces to reach the approved threshold of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/21]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of new recruits who have enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 54 and 55 together.

The military authorities have advised that, as at 31st May 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,570 personnel. While the Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, there are a number of factors, many of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved.

I have acknowledged that there are on-going challenges in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented. However recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 228 personnel (including 210 General Service recruits) being inducted as at 31st May 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues. I launched a recruitment campaign on 25^thJune, specifically targeting potential Naval Service Recruits. The intention is to induct a further 80 Naval Service recruits and bring the overall Naval Service induction target to 130 this year.

Initiatives that also play a role in restoring capacity and in boosting specialist’s numbers include the campaign to re-enlist and re-commission former members of the Permanent Defence Force. This initiative has resulted in 15 re-commissioned officers and 42 re-enlisted personnel in 2020 and, in 2021, a further 1 recommissioned officer and 15 re-enlisted personnel as at 31st May.

Furthermore, along with direct entry provision for Doctors, direct entry is also currently utilised in 8 competitions in the Naval Service for the recruitment of both Officers and 'Other Ranks', Defence Forces School of Music Instrumentalists and Air Corps Aircraft Technician. The latter competition, launched on 28^thMay and remains open until the 30^thJune, had attracted 39 applications as at 22^ndJune.

A sea-going service commitment scheme and a tax credit, both for sea-going Naval Service personnel, are examples of targeted measures I have introduced, aimed at retaining experienced personnel. This follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.

The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects. In addition, the independent Commission on the Defence Forces is tasked with examining a range of issues, including recruitment and retention.

Increasing the capacity of the Defence Forces will take time. However, the challenges are being addressed and work in this regard is a priority for me and my civil and military management team.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to ensure that talent, skills and personnel of the Reserve Defence Forces can be utilised in the near future in view of the current situation between the retention crisis in the Defence Forces and reservist contributions during the HSE cyber-attack; and if he plans to engage with employers to facilitate paid leave and job protection for reservists being mobilised. [34671/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF.

The White Paper acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF. A White Paper project relating to a skills survey of the RDF was initiated and the completed survey provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve.

As part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, a Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of members of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.

The Government has additionally given approval for proposed amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF. These amendments will enhance the role of the RDF by removing the current legislative restrictions on the activities they perform, including the restriction on serving overseas. The Report Stage debate relating to this amendment is scheduled for Wednesday 30 June.

The Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which as the Deputy will be aware, is also expected to include proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.

The proposed amendments to the Bill, do not prejudge any possible recommendations from the Commission, but will facilitate the implementation of any recommendations the Commission may make, which would, of necessity, require legislative amendments.

A number of RDF members are currently engaged, on a voluntary basis and where personal circumstances allow, in authorised COVID-19 activities in a supporting role to the response of the Permanent Defence Force to the COVID19 crisis. In this regard, members of the Reserve served a total of 1,457 Covid-related days in 2020 with a further 505 such days served by Reservists in 2021, to the end of May. Members of the Reserve are paid in such circumstances and their support is welcomed.

Members of the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment and are not employees per se. Furthermore, service with the AR and NSR is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes. As members of the Reserve undertake activities on a voluntary basis, there are presently no plans to introduce paid leave or employment protection legislation in relation to their voluntary activities within the RDF.

While the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 has provided for employment protection for members of the Reserve when called up on permanent service, there are no plans to call RDF members out permanently.

While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, including the RDF, are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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53. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts he has made in respect of the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do. [34698/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government contains a commitment to “ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do”.

I am advised that a joint military-civilian working group has been established to identify an approach to implementing this commitment. The Working Group will analyse the range and cost of treatments currently provided to Officers and assess how best to provide this access to enlisted personnel. The Working Group is currently due to produce its report by the end of 2021.

At present, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force at State expense. These include: an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out of hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, mental health services provided by a psychiatrist and two psychologists, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges and routine dental treatment. In addition, commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service can avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/ semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank.

In the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts (e.g. EUMS, OSCE), these personnel, and any accompanying dependents are provided with global comprehensive medical insurance for which a formal arrangement is in place with a health insurance provider. This involves the organisation paying the difference between a basic minimum payment and the cost of the global plan.

The provision of this range of benefits is unique in the public and indeed the private sectors and these benefits are exempt from benefit-in-kind taxation.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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56. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34678/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 May 2020, is set out below:

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, the capacity to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

I have been advised that the Defence Forces are currently considering recruitment options for the Reserve including the introduction of ongoing recruitment, similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.