Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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38. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of discussions with a group (details supplied). [13410/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department and I have engaged extensively in recent months with the Women of Honour Group and with other stakeholders, including both serving and former members of the Defence Forces, the Representative Associations, PDFORRA, RACO and RDFRA and with a second group representing former members, the Men and Women of Honour Group, on the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture. 

The most recent engagement with stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, took place on Tuesday 25 January last, where I provided an update to stakeholders on the Government decision to proceed with the Independent Review. This was the seventh meeting at senior level that has been held with the Women of Honour Group since last September, three of which I personally attended.

Current and former members of the Defence Forces have welcomed the Review and whilst I acknowledge the disappointment expressed by the Women of Honour group, who have been seeking a Tribunal of Inquiry, I am strongly aware that the current systems, policies and procesures as well as the pervading workplace culture, have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.

There is a critical need therefore, for immediate action to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces can undertake their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality and where there is a zero-tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.

The Independent Review Group, which has commenced its work under the Chair of Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, has been tasked to provide me with an interim report within 6 months and a final report within 12 months, which I will be bringing to Government.

Since the establishment of the Review Group, I understand that some stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, and the Men and Women of Honour Group have also met with the Taoiseach and President.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that the information provided from former members, including Women of Honour, regarding incidents of a historical nature together with information from current serving members have been taken very seriously and are not being ignored. Both the Taoiseach and I have confirmed that we are not ruling out a further body of work in the future, but recognise the need to allow the Independent Review Group to do its work as a critical and necessary first step.

The Terms of Reference which are published on gov.ie website provide that submissions can be made to the Review Group and that both serving and former members of the Defence Forces can engage with the Group and share their experiences. I sincerely hope that all stakeholders and serving members will  engage with the Independent Review Group, as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered the potential role the Irish Defence Forces might have in peace-keeping measures that might arise given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Irelands commitment to 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). 

As of 1 March 2022, Ireland is contributing 569 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.

Ireland takes its obligations under the United Nations Charter very seriously.  We have a strong tradition through the years of principled engagement on development, humanitarian assistance, disarmament, human rights and peacekeeping.

Requests in relation to participation in new missions overseas are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any request received by Ireland to participate in a new UN or CSDP peacekeeping mission associated with the conflict in Ukraine would be given careful consideration. 

Ireland’s participation in overseas peacekeeping missions is subject to the “Triple Lock” requirements of a UN Mandate and Government and Dáil approval, as appropriate, in accordance with the Defence Acts.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the comments made by the Commission on Defence on the Reserve Defence Forces. [13224/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including the future role of the Reserve Defence Force. 

There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate therefore, for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of the Government's consideration.

I wish to reiterate again however, that the Government remains committed to the RDF. Indeed, the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions that he is taking to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces. [13411/22]

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. A general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1^stOctober 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 1^stFebruary 2022 last, which is in the process of being paid.  

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1^stOctober 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 out of ongoing national 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 was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, as well as the Government decision in December 2020, which agreed its terms of reference and membership. 

In February 2022, the Minister welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.  The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference, including an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces. 

Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of the recommendations is required.  This will involve significant inter-departmental consultation and the Minister also intends to get the views of key stakeholders. Following that engagement the Minister intends to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan.

The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan.