Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on and response to the call by the Commission on Defence Forces for the enhancement of the Defence Forces structures across the cyber domain. [13196/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision.   While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognising the potential and important role of the Defence Forces. 

Officials in my Department and members of the Defence Forces work closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and other Government Departments and Agencies to support measures to deal with cyber challenges. A member of the Defence Forces is also currently seconded to the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. The Centre is involved in carrying out cyber-defence focused training awareness campaigns, workshops, and courses and developing and conducting cyber defence-focused exercises. 

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. This includes inter-departmental consultation as appropriate.  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 for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding made by the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to the current Army structure, that the current brigade system primarily comprises two regional administrative structures that are not deployable and do not align to international standards in terms of their strength or capabilities and are under‐staffed and under‐resourced. [13274/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The current two Brigade structure was introduced in 2012 following a reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. The previous three Brigade structure, which was originally introduced for a PDF strength of 11,500 personnel, could not be sustained within that lower strength level.

The current strength of the PDF is just under 8,500 personnel, which is significantly less than that intended for the two Brigade structure. A key aspect of the terms of reference for the Commission on the Defence Forces was to consider the most appropriate structures for the Defence Forces.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published and the report contains 69 main recommendations and, together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations in total.  The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The Report recommends further work on the identification of suitable Army structures.

As the Report contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations.  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 for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the concerns of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to an evident culture across the Defence Forces which is masculine and has a limited appreciation of diversity of all kinds [13251/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other 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 therefore, be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

Notwithstanding this, I believe that it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies.  The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.

On foot of engagements both I and my officials have had in recent months, with a number of stakeholders, including both serving and former members, I  have publicly acknowledged that the systems, policies and pervading culture in the Defence Forces, have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.  

As the Deputy will be aware, the recently established Independent Review Group, under the Chair of retired High Court Judge, Bronagh O’Hanlon, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture. 

The Independent Review Group willl, in particular,:

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

- 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.

- 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.

This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces are able undertake their duties in a work place that is safe, and and underpinned by core principles of dignity and equality and where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour. I have set an ambitious timetable for the Group and I have requested an interim report within 6 months with a final report within 12 months, which I intend to bring to Government. 

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring derelict buildings at the Curragh Camp in County Kildare back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces built infrastructure as set in the 5 year Plan published in January 2020 provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe.  The 2022 allocation of €45m for maintaining and improving the building stock is significantly higher than the 2021 allocation and is reflective of the crucial importance I attach to ensuring infrastructure in the Defence Forces is modernised and fit for purpose.

The future development of the Defence Forces Training Centre is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan.

Where appropriate and required it is open to the military authorities to consider the conversion of vacant or under utilsed properties for a number of purposes such as the conversion to Single Living accommodation for serving personnel in the Defence Forces Training Centre. To this end,  the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the biggest allocation for the Defence Forces built infrastructure of €45m for 2022, of  which €35m is specifically targeted at the progression of major capital projects. With a further €10m being provided to the Defence Forces on a fully delegated basis for the purposes of maintenance of the current building stock. 

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the general age, condition and capacity of Ireland’s air defence equipment. [13311/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan.  The EDP 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 the 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 EDP sets out current priorities and plans taking account of available resources and in line with the policy approach in the White Paper on Defence. The EDP is based on a rigorous prioritised examination of the range of equipment requirements to deliver on roles and associated capabilities. Prioritisation must take account of the immediacy of any operational demand as well as planning, specification, procurement, production and delivery time-frames and relevant resourcing.

At any one time, there will be a balance of what is feasible within available funding and what is needed taking account of equipment life-cycles and the needs of on-going and contingent requirements. The overall priorities in the EDP remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of air defence equipment. 

In relation to air-based capability, 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. As outlined in the White Paper, the Air Corps's PC 9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity.

The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities. 

The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking. 

Existing capabilities available to the Army include radar systems such as the Giraffe Mk4 short-range air defence system and the RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile, which has been upgraded with BOLIDE missiles.  Other capabilities include the Browning Heavy Machine Gun and the General Purpose Machine Gun which can be used in various roles including anti-aircraft. For operational security reasons, I am not in a position to outline further details of these equipment platforms held by the Defence Forces.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues. 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 for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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51. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the discussions that have been had with the Defence Forces with regard to the use of Cathal Brugha barracks for housing. [13296/22]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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56. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the purpose of the feasibility study on the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks; the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 56 together.

Cathal Brugha Barracks is the only operational military installation in Dublin City and plays a key role in meeting ongoing Defence Forces' operational and emergency.  In recognition that the issue of a relocation arises periodicaly, my Department has secured funding, under the Housing For All implementation fund, to engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City. The purpose of the study is to  allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation, thus facilaiting a fully informed debate on the matter. An InterDepartmental Steering Group was recently established to oversee this project. 

This is an exploratory exercise, which will allow an informed debate to take place on the implications, and indeed the practality, of responding to the calls to relocate out of the current location.  For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to reiterate that Government has made no decision to relocate the Defence Forces from Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Representative Associations and other stakeholders, including civilian employees, will be kept appraised of progress.