Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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217. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider using qualified members of the Defence Forces to address the urgency and shortage of staff in hospitals. [56754/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force (JTF) was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc, under a single command structure. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under my authority as Minister for Defence.

The priority of the Defence Forces Joint Task Force from the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic has been to provide support to the Health Service Executive (HSE), while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support.

To date, the Defence Forces personnel have provided significant supports in response to the Covid-19 crisis, with in excess of 112,000 personnel days and there have 22,700 instances of Defence Forces vehicles being deployed in an extensive range of supports from the Defence Forces. This has provided surge support to our health services through bolstering their capacity and providing them with the additional resiliency needed to respond to the Covid 19 pandemic. The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis included:

- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;

- support for contact tracing efforts;transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;

- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;

- support for HSE testing efforts including through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;

- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;

- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;

- transportation of patients for testing;

- a range of non clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities;

- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);

- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and

- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.

Vaccination Programme

The Defence Forces provided logistical and operational planning advice for the national vaccination programme.

Vaccinator support has been provided by the Defence Forces across a number of vaccination centres and Long Term Residential Care settings.

Through the Joint Task Force, the Defence Forces has also supported the rollout of the vaccination programme through:

- Marshalling, administration, logistical and security supports at a number of vaccination sites

- Secure storage supports

- Transportation of vaccinators in adverse weather conditions

- Transportation of vaccines by air at the request of the National Ambulance Service.

Mandatory Quarantine Scheme (MQS)

The Department of Health was the competent authority and had overall responsibility for implementation and operation of the system of MQS in accordance with the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 and associated regulations.

It had been agreed that the Defence Forces, acting in an Aid to Civil Authority role, would provide 24/7 assistance and support to the new mandatory quarantine requirements for passengers arriving from ‘designated states’ in accordance with the Health (Amended) Act 2021 through fulfilling the role of the State Liaison Officer. This role provided for the day to day oversight and quality assurance of the Mandatory Quarantine System. The Defence Forces role was confined to designated airports, ferry ports and at mandatory quarantine facilities.

A Service Level Agreement was put in place between the Department of Health and the Department of Defence for the provision of the Defence Forces support to the Covid 19 MQS.

Under this SLA, the roles fulfilled by the Defence Forces under the State Liaison Official function were:

- Overarching State Liaison Official (SLO) role. The DF provided a senior officer to hold the appointment of the SLO who was the official representative of the State for the MHQS. A designated officer was also appointed to the role of Deputy SLO.

- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Dublin Airport.

- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Cork and Shannon Airports.

- Terminal Liaison Official (TLO) role at Dublin Airport. The TLO role was unique to Dublin airport as there are two terminals.

- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Dublin, and Cork Sea Ports.

- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Mandatory Quarantine Facilities (MQF).

The Defence Forces will continue to consider all requests from the HSE in assisting with the national response to Covid 19.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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218. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; when he expects to receive the final report of the Commission; if he has received interim reports to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56586/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government committed to an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. An independent Commission on the Defence Forces was subsequently established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the terms of reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission.The Commission’s overall approach is guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces and encompasses the following matters;

- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing.

- Leveraging the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.

- Governance and high level command and control structures in the Defence Forces.

- The evolution of remuneration systems and structures in the Defence Forces.

- A strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies, recruitment, retention and career progression.

As part of a broad consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on matters related to its terms of reference. The Commission received nearly 500 submissions, all of which have been published on their website, together with an initial report on the public consultation.

The Commission has been established as an independent body and, while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Site visits to military locations by members of the Commission have taken place at a number of barracks across the country.

The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll also met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission. The Commission also held two webinars, one in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and one in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).

The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030.

The Commission is mandated to submit its report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving it. The Commission has not submitted any interim reports.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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219. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the report by the independent review group on Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56587/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961 where "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, came under attack. From the 13th to the 17th September the men of “A” Company endured almost continuous attack. At the end of the Siege, the men were taken into captivity until finally released on the 25th October 1961.

The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to a number of personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a range of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35^thInfantry Battalion who were stationed in Jadotville in 1961.

Notwithstanding the actions that have been taken to date to recognise and honour the valiant actions and bravery of all of the men stationed at Jadotville sixty years ago, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville.The IRG completed its research in July and has submitted its report to the Chief of Staff, as the convening authority. The Chief of Staff has submitted the report to my Office along with his advice. The work of the Independent Review Group has now concluded.

The IRG made a number of recommendations in their report including a recommendation that the 60th anniversary of Jadotville be commemorated. Other recommendations relate to the awarding of medals, veterans affairs and honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans. All recommendations have been considered at a high level.

The deeply unsettling aftermath of Jadotville is detailed in the report as is the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. I have apologised to veterans and to their families on behalf of the State and the Government to the men of ‘A’ Company, 35^thInfantry Battalion and to their families for the lack of necessary supports or deserved recognition of their valiant service on their return from the Congo and for the many issues that arose as a result, some of which had tragic consequences. I have also acknowledged that the lack of supports in place at that time is extremely regrettable. There have been great steps in the intervening years to support Defence Forces personnel, their families and veterans through the work of the Defence Forces personnel support services.

As amatter relating to the IRG recommendations is currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to provide any further information in relation to the various recommendations made by the IRG at this time.

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps Pilates PC9 aircraft is sent to Switzerland for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56652/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.

It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.

In relation to the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft fleet of 8 aircraft, I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft are routinely sent to the original equipment manufacturer Pilatus, in Switzerland, in order to complete certain maintenance inputs. These are most commonly annual inspections concurrent with 300 flight hour interval checks. Approximately 50% to 60% of the PC-9M fleet of 8 aircraft are sent to Pilatus manufacturing facilities on an annual basis for this purpose.

Since the introduction of the aircraft type into service, the Air Corps has had a performance based contract with Pilatus for the logistical and technical support of its PC-9M fleet. Pilatus are therefore in a position to provide the fastest turnaround times for these inspections and have all the required expertise at hand. The cost of the maintenance varies between €50k and €100k per maintenance visit, depending on the work scope and defects uncovered during the aircraft inspections.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned by Government.

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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221. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps AgustaWestland AW139 aircraft is sent to Belgium for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56653/21]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount paid to a company (details supplied) in each of the past two years to date in 2021; if these payments relate to aircraft maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56655/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 223 together.

I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.

It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.

In relation to the AW139 helicopter fleet of 6 aircraft I am advised that the aircraft are routinely dispatched to the original equipment manufacturer Leonardo Aircraft, in Belgium, under a logistics supply agreement to support the AW139 fleet in order to complete certain larger inspections and maintenance inputs. Approximately 60% of the fleet undergo these larger inspections on an annual basis and this involves carrying out 48 month calendar inspections and 300 and/or 600 flight hour interval checks on each aircraft.

I am further advised that Leonardo Aircraft are in a position to provide the fastest turnaround times for these inspections and have all the required expertise at hand to ensure airworthiness certification of the aircraft. The cost of the maintenance varies between €100k and €200k per aircraft maintenance visit and the amount varies depending on the scope of works uncovered during the inspections. The payments made to Leonardo Belgium for maintenance and larger inspections on the fleet of 6 helicopter AW139 airframes during the period 1 Jan 2020 to date amounts to €1,555,376 inclusive of VAT.

All other maintenance works up to 1 year or 300 hour inspections on the aircraft are carried out by Air Corps aircraft technicians.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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222. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Aer Corps Casa CN 235 aircraft is sent to Spain for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56654/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My 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, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.

It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.

In relation to the CASA CN 235 aircraft, I am advised by the military authorities that the two aircraft are routinely dispatched to the original equipment manufacturer Airbus under a maintenance contractual arrangement which is in place. The maintenance is at 2,400 flight hour interval checks, commonly referred to as ‘C’ checks which usually occur at intervals of 2.5 to 3 years and take place at the Airbus manufacturing facility in Spain. This has been the practice since the aircraft were introduced into operational service in 1994 and is not linked to technical staffing levels. As the fleet size is 2 aircraft it would be inefficient to provide resources to conduct this specific type of maintenance in Casement Aerodrome given the relevant infrequent interval. All other flight hour and calendar interval maintenance inputs are conducted at Casement Aerodrome by Air Corps technical personnel. Given the age of these aircraft, the cost of these maintenance inspections is around €1M per maintenance visit, but largely depends on the work scope undertaken during inspection.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available so that they can fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.