Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the necessary radar and other tracking equipment remains available to all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4197/22]

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 to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 was completed following extensive joint civil-military work. It provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology and this is an ongoing process.

Modern secure communications are essential for the Defence Forces and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped in a variety of roles with required communications and global positioning systems (GPS) equipment. GPS systems are used to aid navigation and as a force protection measure. They are integrated on board vehicles, vessels and aircraft control systems and embedded in communications systems used by Defence Force personnel in order to achieve a Joint Common Operating Picture.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of radar systems. Existing capabilites available to the Army include radar systems such as the Giraffe Mk4 short-range air defence system and the Foxtrack X-Band ground surveillance radar. The Air Corps use surface search radar on the CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft and all aircraft are fitted with a transponder and the automatic identification system (AIS) for identification and tracking. The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking.

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 of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps, will be considered.

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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257. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed overseas; the number involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4198/22]

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).

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

* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs,

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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258. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if payments in respect of troop deployment overseas have been brought up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4199/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In general, Overseas and Armed Peace Support allowances are paid along with the pay of the members of the Permanent Defence Force serving overseas and payment is commenced following notification from the military authorities that a member has proceeded overseas on a particular mission. Payment of the allowances is then ceased following notification of his/her return from overseas. From time to time there are variations in planned departure and return dates and, once notified by the military authorities, the relevant allowances are adjusted on the next possible pay date.

In addition, my Department is in the process of paying a number of allowances in relation to mission leave and other matters to personnel who have now returned from overseas duty. Where all necessary information is to hand these payments will be made in the coming weeks. Any remaining allowances due will be paid on receipt of the outstanding information required.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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259. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which allegations of abuse within the Defence Forces have been fully investigated and preventative measures put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4200/22]

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, this week I announced 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.

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), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which retirements throughout the Defence Forces are due in 2022; the plans for replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4201/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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263. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions to be filled in each branch of the Defence Forces; the number of new positions likely to arise over 2022; if all positions will be filled on becoming vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4204/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 263 together.

As at 31 December 2021, the following vacancies existed in the Permanent Defence Force:

Vacancies are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions and re-entry of ex PDF personnel. It is not possible to give a precise estimate of future vacancies as this would be influenced by a range of factors such as the timing of departures, inductions and promotions etc.

The military authorities have advised that there are 91 personnel due to retire in 2022 on age grounds, which is the only category that can be predicted with any accuracy.

A number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which pay and conditions in the Defence Forces have been addressed or resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4202/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.

The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently, a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, were also increased by 1% on this date.

The current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:

- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.

In addition to general round pay increases, arising from pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Defence Forces, which was established by Government, includes in its terms of reference, an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures, currently in place in the Defence Forces.

The Commission is due to submit their report shortly and I look forward to receiving this document, in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces

As provided for in the Programme for Government, I will then consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the Pubic Service.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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262. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the military authorities in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be adequately resourced to meet possible challenges arising from a terrorist attack, natural disasters or other security issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4203/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks. The Defence Forces continue to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including security operations, critical supports to An Garda Síochána and supports to other Government Departments and Principal Response Agencies. In particular, in recent times, the Defence Forces have played an important role in the Covid 19 response through providing a broad range of supports to the HSE which 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.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.

In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provides assistance within means to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles.

In respect of security threats, responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. In that regard, among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2015) is the provision of ATCP which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is on-going and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and includes military training activities which are specifically designed to respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

The Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. 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.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces will continue to respond in an effective and timely manner to such events were they to occur in the state.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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264. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which accommodation at military barracks is modern, up-to-date and in keeping with best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4205/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe.

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.

The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has allocated in the region of €10m this year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.