Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funding allocated for Defence Forces equipment under the National Development Plan; and if further funding has been allocated following the review of the National Development Plan. [3677/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Development Plan 2018-2027 originally provided an allocation of €541 million for Defence over a five year period from 2018 to 2022 to provide mainly for the acquisition, upgrade and renewal of military equipment and infrastructure. Following a review of this plan undertaken in 2021, a revised allocation of €566 million for the four year period 2022 to 2025 has been provided to Defence as part of the updated National Development Plan 2021-2030. This has increased the average annual capital allocation from €108 million to €141 million. In addition, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has facilitated the reallocation of pay savings in the Defence Vote to fund capital projects.

Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding provided by the National Development Plan will enable the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver scheduled projects over the coming years. 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.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.

The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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98. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the funding for equipment and resources for the Defence Forces includes funding to add capacity to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Vote 36 Defence is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Expenditure costs for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are included in the overall programme costs in the appropriate subheads of the Vote.

As part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) set out the Government’s overarching investment strategy and capital budget for the period 2021-2030. In this context, the National Development Plan allocated multi-annual capital funding of €566 million to the Department of Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million provided for 2022. Among the major capital projects set to be prioritised over the coming years are:

- 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

- Upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations including the Naval Base, Haulbowline.

I recently visited Haulbowline Naval Base to observe the progress to date on Block 8 Accommodation Block and the upgrade and repair works to Spencer Jetty. These infrastructure projects are being undertaken as part of the 5 year Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan. This Plan supports progress across a broad suite of Defence Forces built infrastructure projects and will ensure that the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, are enabled to contribute fully to their assigned roles.

Specifically in relation to the Naval Service, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a document on the regeneration of the Naval Service was submitted to me in 2021 looking at initiatives that would restore the capacity of the Naval Service. I have accepted and endorsed the proposed course of action and these are now progressing.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service.

The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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99. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of reports he has received from the Ombudsman that make recommendations and or directions to him in respect of complainants' grievances in the past three years to date; the number of these cases that have been resolved; and the number that remain open. [3732/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In 2019, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) referred 53 case reports to me for consideration, of which 30 contained recommendations. I have referred my final determination in respect of 24 of these to the military authorities for implementation and informed the ODF accordingly. The remaining 6 cases, which are of a complex nature and subject to ongoing litigation, remain under consideration.

In 2020, the ODF referred 27 case reports to me my office for consideration, of which 12 contained recommendations. My final determination in respect of these 12 cases has been referred to the military authorities for implementation and the ODF has been informed accordingly.

In 2021, the ODF referred 38 case reports to me for consideration, of which 17 contained recommendations. Of these, 1 is subject to a parallel WRC case and requires further deliberation; 2 are awaiting input from the military authorities and 7 remain under consideration. My final determination in respect of 7 cases has been referred to the military authorities for implementation, with the ODF informed accordingly.

It is noteworthy that, while every case report from the ODF will not necessarily contain recommendations, it is not uncommon for more than one recommendation to be made in some reports. Cases can be lengthy and complex and recommendations can often have policy implications that require very careful consideration.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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100. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to develop and or introduce gender-focused sexual education in the Defence Forces training phase for recruits. [3733/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the Chief of Staff convened an Organisational Culture Standing Committee on 30 November 2021. This Committee was established to coordinate and progress the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces. As part of its core workings, the committee is examining a cultural change programme for the Defence Forces.

In researching the most suitable education programme for the Defence Forces, the Organisational Culture Standing Committee have consulted with external agencies and experts such as the University College Cork (UCC) School of Law, who developed and introduced the Bystander Intervention Programme to UCC. The Committee will also examine programmes used by other militaries.

I have been further advised that the General Staff will thereafter consider the most appropriate form for the delivery of a gender focused sexual education programme, which may include provisions on Defence Forces career training courses as well as inductee training.

I wish to also confirm that I have secured Government agreement to establish an Independent Review to examine issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces.

The Independent Review will:

- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.

- It will independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.

- It will also provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As of 1 January 2022, Ireland is contributing 582 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 355 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel.Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas. 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 in the tabular statement below.

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS As of 1 January 2022

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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102. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the inclusion of a person (details supplied) in the formation of the terms of reference for the review on Army sex abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department remains in contact with the individual named and met with him most recently on the 22nd December 2021. Officials in the Department keep his correspondence under continuous review.

Given the manner in which the individual sources his information, the matters detailed by him cannot be investigated by me or my officials, particularly where it is alleged that criminal offences of a sexual nature have been committed against children. They are best investigated by an Garda Síochána.

The allegations put forward by this individual differ somewhat from those raised by the Women of Honour Group. In general, others are relaying their own stories whereas the person named relays, in the main, the accounts of other people. His accounts also allege grave improprieties against children and these matters would not be suitable for consideration by the review currently being considered as these are issues of a criminal nature which may or may not have occurred within the workplace.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the nomination of a Senior Counsel has been sought and received from the Office of the Attorney General to conduct an independent assessment of the specific actions taken by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces on foot of the extensive correspondence received. This is a discrete assessment and the outcome will be made available to the Independent Review Group once completed.

The named individual has been so informed and it is envisaged that my Department will be in further contact with him very shortly.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the individual named and the concerns he raises are dealt with in a considerate and serious manner.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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103. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Civil-Military Research Technology and Innovation Unit recently established in the Defence Organisation; the funding allocated to this unit in 2021 and 2022; the number of whole-time equivalent positions in this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3956/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2021 – 2023 provides for the establishment of a civil – military research, technology and innovation (RTI) unit to ensure that Ireland’s Defence Organisation have access to research, technology and innovation in order to develop capabilities.

The unit is being developed on a staged basis. Stage one commenced in January 2021 and focused primarily on the Defence Organisation’s partnership with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The partnership created the SFI – Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge which is an innovative programme with the overarching ambition to develop new technologies, aligned with our National Defence Policy and supporting Defence Forces capability requirements, that also have the potential to deliver significant societal impacts within Ireland. Challenges in five areas plus an open challenge on disruptive technologies, were presented to Irish research institutions. These proposals were then judged by an international panel of researchers in line with best academic practice.

The Challenge entered the concept phase in January 2022, where a number of research teams were selected by the international review panel to move forward within the Challenge. This concept phase will be launched by me and my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in February 2022.

The RTI unit is in the process of moving into stage two in its development. The focus during this stage will be on introducing applied research and development for capability developments, embedding a culture of innovation within the Defence Organisation as well as accessing international funding activities which will deliver long term strategic benefits. A key focus of the RTI Unit going forward will be to support Irish research institutes and enterprise in securing funding from the European Defence Fund and also accessing the supply chains of major defence research and industry actors in the EU including as members of EU wide consortia.

The Department, through the RTI unit, contributed €250,000 to the SFI – Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge in 2021. All other Unit activities were undertaken within the normal operating budget of the Department. The funding requirement for 2022 will be met from within the Defencw Vote.

The unit was established in January 2021 with a whole time equivalent staffing of 0.4 civilian and one military. The current whole time equivalent staffing for the unit is 0.8 civilian and two military.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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104. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 18 November 2021, the status of plans for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, 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 2021 and has submitted its report.

The IRG made a number of recommendations in its report, which was published in full last July, 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.

As amatter relating to the IRG recommendations is currently before the courts, the position as set out in response to you on 18 November 2021 remains the same, in that it would not be appropriate for me to provide any further information in relation to the implementation of the various recommendations made by the IRG at this time.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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105. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces to date; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/22]

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. The independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020. 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 it's terms of reference 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.

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. Members of the Commission conducted site visits to a number military locations across the country, meeting nearly 1,000 military personnel.

The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll 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 work of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins this Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030.

The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing the Report as soon as possible.The Commission's Report will be fully considered at that point.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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106. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the annual cost for the provision of aid to the civil power duties at Shannon Airport for 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.

The costs associated with Defence Forces personnel performing ATCP roles at Shannon Airport for the years in question, 2019 to 2021, are set out in the table below.

These costs incurred relate to security duty allowance paid to members of the Defence Forces, rations and fuel. The cost associated with this ATCP support is met entirely from the Defence Vote.