Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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119. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to improve reporting mechanisms for Defence Forces personnel experiencing sexual abuse, harassment and bullying. [3631/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is my duty of care obligation to all members of the Defence Forces. I am fully committed to ensuring that every member has the right to be treated with dignity, equality and respect to carry out their duties in a safe workplace underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.

As the Deputy is aware I announced this week the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. The Independent Review will

- examine current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices,

- assess the pervading culture in the workplace, and on the basis of this work,

- make recommendations 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.

A number of reforms have been implemented over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in regulation.

The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

Despite the reforms that have taken place, current and former members of the Defence Forces have been clear that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.

It is of critical importance therefore that I proceed with this Review to ensure that the workplace is safe for all serving members.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way that he plans to resolve the issue in relation to the Siege of Jadotville to the satisfaction of the surviving Irish soldiers involved and the families of those who have passed away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3865/22]

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 2021 and has submitted its report.The work of the Independent Review Group has now concluded.

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.

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.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to improve residential accommodation for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3622/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware it has been a long standing policy, since the 1990’s that the provision of Married Quarters to serving Defence Forces personnel would be discontinued. This move away from this provision was accepted by senior military management at the time and it is not intended to reverse this policy. Single Living in Accommodation is provided for personnel where same is required for training and operational purposes.

The modernisation of such accommodation features significantly in the Defence Forces 5 Year Infrastructure Plan, which has seen the completion of the following refurbishment projects at a combined cost of €11.2m:

- Blocks B & D Pearse Barracks, DFTC ;

- Block 7 Plunket Barracks, DFTC ;

- Blocks 1 & 2 Cathal Brugha Barracks; and the

- Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome.

The following accommodation projects are now also being progressed at combined estimated value of €26.5m :

- Refurbishment of Blocks 4 & 8 , Naval Service,

- New accommodation Block in Collins barracks, Cork, and

- the refurbishment of the USAC accommodation Block in Renmore, Galway.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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125. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he intends to immediately increase the allocated associated budget given the recent commentary regarding the Defence Forces rations and the increasing cost of food. [3833/22]

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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126. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the daily ration rate for enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces; if it is in line with best practice within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/22]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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137. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on reports that the Defence Forces are attempting to feed members for just €4.20 per day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3892/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 126 and 137 together.

Defence Forces personnel may avail of daily meals in certain circumstances. This includes personnel engaged in security duties, approved training courses, on operational exercises and single personnel living in barracks.

I am advised that a daily ration rate is set by the military authorities and that this rate is used as a budgeting figure by military cooks when supplying meals to personnel. The rate is currently €4.20 per day.

The rate was originally calculated based on a scale of provisions determined to deliver nutritionally balanced meals with recommended levels of essential food groups and having regard to the cost of such food to the Defence Forces and economies of scale that are achieved. I am advised that the rate has been adjusted over time to provide for inflation.

The Office of Government Procurement has put framework contract arrangements in place for major food procurements for the Defence Forces and other public service bodies. The centralised framework contract arrangements allow for the procurement of fish, dairy, frozen foods, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, bread and eggs. Average annual expenditure in this area in the three years 2019 to 2021 has been €3.2 million.

The military authorities have advised me that the daily ration rate will be reviewed having regard to the re-tendering of OGP food contracts, a process which is currently underway. I also note that PDFORRA have raised this matter and their views will be considered.