Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions that his Department will undertake in relation to the recruitment of women into the Defence Forces in 2023 as per the recommendations set out in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and in line with Defence Forces recruitment objectives announced in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48632/22]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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86. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49019/22]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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99. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces as of 30 September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48888/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 86 and 99 together.

As at 31 August, 2022, the latest date such details are available, the strength of the PDF was 8,146 personnel or 86% of the current agreed strength of 9,500. 579 of these were women.

My focus is on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There are a number of initiatives which are presently being implemented to counter current staffing challenges.

There is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment and some 248 personnel have been inducted to end August 2022. Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from Public Service pay agreements.

The Defence Forces are an equal opportunity employer and, in addition to increasing overall capacity, it is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces to reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.

The White Paper on Defence contains a number of projects with a view to increasing participation of females in the Defence Forces. Furthermore the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of projects designed to assist in achieving the target rate of 35% female participation. An example of this is the early action to appoint a gender advisor at Colonel level in the Defence Forces, which has been accepted in principle and is being progressed.

In line with current policies and commitments, a number of initiatives are already in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation e.g.

- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.

- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.

In addition, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel, both male and female, to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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81. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the complaint made to the European Committee of Social Rights registered on 9 August 2022 by the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions against Ireland to seek just conditions of work and to achieve adequate compensation for members of the Defence Forces who work on public holidays and to secure overtime payments for additional hours worked; his views on this complaint; and the actions he and his Department plan to take to rectify this situation. [49009/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that a complaint has been made by EUROMIL to the European Committee on Social Rights. The procedure in general in a case like this, is the Committee registers the complaint and then seeks written observations from the Country concerned as to the admissibility of the complaint. I am advised by my officials that to date there has been no official correspondence received from the European Committee of Socials Rights on this matter.

I cannot comment further at this stage pending notification of the case from the European Committee on Social Rights.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of progression and personal development courses available for Private 3-Star members of the Defence Forces on a yearly basis since 2018; the number who applied for these courses and the numbers offered courses on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48937/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that the number of courses and schemes offered is not maintained centrally. These details are maintained at a local unit/formation/branch level in a manner that does not readily lend itself to speedy collation permitting detailed analysis. Consequently, it has not been possible to compile the specific yearly figures requested in the time available.

The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. The scheduling of training is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.

Training and education in the Defence Forces is conducted in line with national and international best practice. On average, the Defence Forces conduct between 1,200 and 1,400 courses of training and education each year.

I am informed that, since 2018, 412 Defence Forces personnel have completed a Potential Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Course. This course is designed to develop the qualities of leadership and to provide the knowledge, skills, and instructional ability necessary to qualify a Private soldier to hold the rank of Corporal and to command a section across the spectrum of military operations.Currently, there are 110 3-Star Privates and Aircrew undergoing these courses which are taking place in 2 Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre.

In addition to the Potential NCO Course, the Trainee Technician Scheme is another significant personal development opportunity available to Privates. The purpose of the Trainee Technician Scheme is to provide military tradespersons for Corps/Branches to enable and support the services in their delivery of capability. The scheme offers successful candidates the opportunity to transition from line service to become qualified and experienced in the trade for which he or she is selected. The training comprises alternating phases of academic and practical training modules over 4 years.

There are also a wide range of personal development opportunities available on a full or part-time basis including accredited second and third level courses through, in some cases, partnerships with institutes of technology.

I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards and have opportunities for progression throughout the course of their careers.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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84. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he will implement the European Union Work Time Directive in the Defence Forces; when he expects the Defence Forces to be in compliance with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49047/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence Forces are currently excluded from the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive into Irish Law. The Government, however, has committed to amending this Act and bringing both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochana within the scope of its provisions, where appropriate.

The Working Time Directive, recognises the specific nature of certain military activities and allows for derogations or exemptions of such activities. Extensive work undertaken by civil and military management has determined that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive. However, it has also been determined that there are some activities which may qualify for an exemption or a derogation due to their very specific nature.

There have been extensive and ongoing deliberations by civilian and military management on the wider implementation of Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces with a view to formulating a proposed management position for my consideration and approval.

Those deliberations have being informed by the interpretation of recent European Case Law on military service, as well as the fundamental requirement to ensure that rights are afforded to serving members, while ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfill their essential state functions. As the Deputy will appreciate, these are complex matters.

I’m pleased to note that consultation on the proposed management position with the Representative Associations through the mechanism of the Working Time Directive Conciliation and Arbitration Sub-Committee, has recently commenced and that dialogue is continuing. In this context, I understand that a number of matters have been raised by the Representative Associations and these are being actively examined by civilian-military management.

As I'm sure the Deputy will appreciate, I need to let the Sub-Committee do its work and for this reason, I will not be commenting further on the matters under consideration or pre-empting the outcome of this consultative process.

Upon conclusion of engagement with the Representative Associations, the final management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces, will be submitted to me for my consideration and approval.

My officials will thereafter be engaging with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, who , as the Deputy will be aware, are responsible for bringing forward the necessary amendments to primary legislation.

I can assure the Deputy that the health and safety of personnel in the Defence Forces remains a priority for myself and the Chief of Staff and we remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied appropriately throughout the Defence Forces.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way that Budget 2023 will commence the implementation of recommendations made by The Commission on the Defence Forces. [48931/22]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funding that will be allocated to pay and allowance enhancements for serving members of the Defence Forces following the announcement in Budget 2023; the timeline for when these increases will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48631/22]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the impact that the increase in expenditure announced in Budget 2023 will have on serving members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48887/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 91 and 103 together.

For 2023, the total allocation for Vote 36 – Defence is €893 million, which is an overall increase of €57 million on 2022, doubling the increase for Defence from last year and comprising of an increase of €35 million in the capital allocation and €22 million in the current allocation.

The Defence capital allocation has increased to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022. This will allow significant capital investment in defensive equipment programmes, including force protection. It will also allow a significant number of building projects to advance under the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, thereby modernising and upgrading facilities. This capital investment will enhance the equipment and facilities for all serving members of the Defence Forces.

An allocation of some €498 million has been provided for the pay & allowances for members of the PDF for 2023. This includes the costs associated with the existing Building Momentum pay deal and also provides for a number of measures recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces, that will impact pay and allowances, should sanction be received to progress these measures by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform:

- Extension of Military Service Allowance to all PDF personnel;

- Removal of the requirement for 3* Privates to ‘Mark Time’

- Extension of the Sea-Going Commitment Scheme;

- Commence further evaluation of the introduction of Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel and

- Commence further evaluation of the creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance Corporal in the Army and the Air Corps.

The implementation of these enhancements will be advanced as soon as agreement is reached with all the relevant stakeholders, and the appropriate administrative arrangements put in place. Funding is also provided for the recruitment of the Head of Transformation and Strategic HR roles in the Defence Forces, as outlined in the High Level Action Plan.

In addition to pay commitments, the increased current expenditure allocation will also provide for rising Defence Forces standing and operational costs anticipated in 2023, across a broad range of areas, including IT, training, catering and maintenance.

The funding allocated in Budget 2023 will enable the Defence Forces to deliver effectively on all its key domestic and international responsibilities, to enhance our national and international security capability, and to facilitate progression on the structural and cultural transformation of the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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87. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the pay improvements outlined in the High-Level Action Plan will be paid to military personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49049/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commission on the Defence Forces High Level Action Plan (HLAP) identifies a number of pay-related recommendations for progression, including the intention to progress implementation of the following:

- Removing the requirement for a 3 Star Private/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank,

- Ensuring that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of MSA applicable to the rank, and

- Providing immediate access to the Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme to direct entry personnel in the Navy;

I am pleased to announce that following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department can now proceed to implement the first two early actions, the removal of Marked Time and the payment of the full rate of MSA. This will result in the pay rates for Private 3 Star/Able Seaman in their first three years of service rising to €34,798 in Year 1, €36,128 in Year 2, and €37,353 in Year 3.

A number of other remunerative elements have been prioritised in the HLAP, including a commitment to commence further evaluation of:

- Replacing the existing sea-going allowances with less complex sea-going duty measures,

- Introducing Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel,

- On the basis that all personnel should, in the first instance, be paid the full rate of MSA applicable to their rank, MSA should be abolished and the full applicable rate integrated into core pay.

In addition, the HLAP states a commitment to commence examination of options in relation to a mechanism for review of existing specialist pay rates and allowances.

The HLAP also set out proposed implementation and oversight structures, and the Implementation Oversight Group met for the first time on 3rd October. A civil/military Implementation Management Office has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission. The initial focus of the IMO is the implementation of the 38 early actions as set out in the High Level Action Plan and the development of a detailed Implementation Plan. Reporting mechanisms have been established to facilitate regular progress reports on the early actions to the IMO and the civil/military Strategic Management Committee. The Implementation Management Office will monitor and report on actions against set timeframes for the early actions and the detailed implementation plan. The measures set out above will be progressed as part of that Plan.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the locations in which he proposes to install military radar systems in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48805/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Commencing planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, is one of a number of early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan that sets out the Government’s response to the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. While I can confirm that work is currently underway on this early action, and funding for this was prioritised in last week's budget, the question of where such radar systems may be located is premature at this early stage of the process.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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92. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a decision been made to withdraw Irish troops from Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49018/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Irish Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed in the European Union Training Mission Mali (EUTM Mali) and no decision has been taken to end Defence Force participation in this mission.

Ireland has participated in EUTM Mali since its launch in 2013. Government has approved the mandate for the deployment of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUTM Mali up to 23 March 2023. Ireland’s current contribution to the mission stands at fourteen (14) personnel.

EU Member States decided in April 2022 to temporarily suspend the provision of operational training to formed units of the Malian armed forces and National Guard, as a reversible measure in order to prevent any reputational risk due to Malian defence and security forces trained by the EU falling under the control or engaging along with Russia-affiliated forces. As a consequence, the number of Defence Force personnel serving with the mission was reduced during the year in line with reduced training requirements in the mission.

The EUTM Mali mission is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. EUTM Mali complements other EU projects and activities carried out in the context of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.

Irelands participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) concluded in September 2022.From September 2019 to September 2022 Defence Forces personnel served as part of a joint deployment with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO and at MINUSMA HQ in Bamako, where they carried out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. Following an original two-year commitment, we subsequently agreed to extend our commitment for a third year.

The deployment of Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions is subject to ongoing review, particularly in relation to the safety and security of Irish personnel.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe for the implementation of the recent budgetary announcement in respect of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48881/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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For 2023, the total allocation for the Defence Vote Group is €1.174 billion, comprising €893 million for Vote 36 - Defence, and €281 million for Vote 35 - Army Pensions, which is an overall increase of €67 million on 2022.

The increase of €67 million is made up of an additional €35 million in respect of capital expenditure for the Defence Vote, €22 million in respect of current expenditure for the Defence Vote and €10 million for the Army Pensions Vote.

The Defence capital allocation has increased by €35 million, to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022. This funding will be used for investment in defensive equipment programmes and on upgrading and modernising the Defence Forces built infrastructure. These projects will be advanced and developed throughout 2023 in line with internal capital planning frameworks.

The allocation for current expenditure in the Defence Vote has increased by €22 million to €717 million, made of up €175 million to meet standing and operational costs and €542 million for the ongoing pay and allowances of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and departmental civil servants, including the costs associated with the existing Building Momentum pay deal.

This allocation also includes funding to facilitate implementation of a number of key recommendations of the commission, such as specific enhancements to pay and allowances and the recruitment of the Head of Transformation and Strategic HR roles in the Defence Forces, as outlined in the high-level action plan. The implementation of these recommendations will be advanced as soon as agreement is reached with all the relevant stakeholders and the appropriate administrative arrangements put in place.

The allocation for Vote 35 - Army Pensions - has increased by €10 million to €281 million and will meet the pensions costs for more than 13,000 ex-members of the Defence Forces and their dependants.

The funding allocated in budget 2023 will enable the Defence Forces to deliver effectively on all its key domestic and international responsibilities, to enhance our national and international security capability, and to facilitate progression on the structural and cultural transformation as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces.