Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017, the establishment of which represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different project groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.

(1) The main objective of Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance project is to enhance the maritime surveillance, situational awareness and potential response effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure, deploying assets and developing related capabilities in the future. The project will integrate land based surveillance systems, maritime and air platforms in order to distribute real-time information to member states, so as to provide timely and effective response in the international waters. It aims to address new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and defence aspects); thus ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response, so as to contribute to the protection of the EU and its citizens. As the State’s principal sea-going agency, the Naval Service provides a unique sea-going capability. The Naval Service is multi-tasked with providing a fishery protection service, general maritime patrolling and surveillance, and are ready to respond to, for example, an aid to the civil power request, a pollution incident, or a search and rescue or recovery missions. Participation in this project enables the Naval Service capability development in maritime surveillance and situation awareness, interaction with other Navies is also extremely valuable from a lessons learned and lessons identified perspective. The project is led by Greece and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

(2) The main aim of the Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform project is to strengthen EU Member States’ cyber defence capabilities and response to cyber incidents by promoting cooperation in the field of cyber threat information sharing. Participation in this project will give the Defence Forces a further means to deal with both known and unknown Cyber threats. It will provide additional analysis capabilities regarding Defence Forces adversaries Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and the Indicators of Compromise (IoCs). The adoption of this platform will also increase our interoperability with EU Member States both at home and overseas, which may save valuable time and resources when responding to an incident. The information sharing aspect will also aid in cementing our already established links with strategic partners and allow us to both contribute to and avail of a rich Cyber intelligence network. The project is led by Greece and is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

(3) The Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures project aims to deliver a high-level collaboration and delivery of semi-autonomous underwater, surface and aerial technologies and capabilities for maritime minecountermeaures. If successful, this will allow and enable EU Member States to protect shipping, harbours, critical offshore infrastructure and sea lines of communication, and to safeguard freedom of navigation on maritime trade routes in Europe and globally. The development of autonomous vehicles, using modern technology and an open architecture, adopting a modular set up, will contribute significantly to the EU's maritime security by helping counter the threat from sea-mines and other bad actors in the maritime domain. As participants, Ireland will benefit from access to R&D and industry in driving a solution to this capability gap through potential fit out (installation) on current platforms and planned C/IED and MCM platforms (ships) as part of the fleet replacement program. This capability, when developed and delivered, will provide Ireland with a flexible, modular, innovative technology which will enable the Defence Forces to develop an increased level of protection, resilience and deterrence to mitigate against potential threats to key national infrastructure (ports, approaches and Sea Lines of Communication) and critical national infrastructure (subsea cables, renewable offshore energy). The project is led by Belgium and is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

(4) The purpose of the Deployable Disaster Relief Capability Package project is to develop, within the PESCO framework, a tool to support the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) response efforts to natural and manmade disasters such as public calamities, natural disasters and pandemics, both within and outside EU territory. It aims to provide additional capabilities to those already available which are particular to the military component of member states. This will in turn enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of the overall response to emergencies. Ireland’s participation in this project will provide opportunities for interoperability training with other nations to learn and share experience and knowledge across the humanitarian response area. As a participant the Defence Forces may be required to provide trainers as required to instruct on Disaster Relief Courses at the Training Centre, there is also provision for Member States to host specialised courses in their own countries. Standardised training across all participating Member States and an exchange of knowledge and expertise in the specialised areas of disaster relief will be very beneficial. As well as establishing important contacts in the area of disaster relief, the knowledge, skills and expertise developed on these courses could then be disseminated throughout the Defence Forces, resulting in increased organisational capability. The project is led by Italy and is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

In addition to full membership of these project, Ireland also has observer status on a further19 projects.

There is generally one Defence Forces' expert attached to each PESCO project. Where a project spans a range of disciplines, more than one Defence Forces expert may be required. All Defence Forces' representatives on PESCO projects are serving personnel on island.

Since joining PESCO in 2017, the only costs of our engagement have been those associated with travel to and attendance at PESCO project planning meetings by Defence Forces' Subject Matter Experts. These costs would not be extractable from the overall Defence Forces expenditure on overseas travel that covers travel for training, attendance at conferences etc.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017, the establishment of which represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different project groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.

As of 12th June 2023, Ireland has Observer status on 19 projects - (1) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (2) Energy Operational Function; (3) EU Military Partnership; (4) EU Radionavigation Solution; (5) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (6) European Union Network of Diving Centres; (7) Future Medium-size Tactical Cargo; (8) Harbour and Maritime Surveillance and Protection; (9) Military Mobility and (10) SOF Medical Training Centre; (11) EUFOR Crisis Response Operation Core; (12) European MALE RPAS; (13) Cyber and Information Domain Coordination Center; (14) Common Hub for Governmental Imagery; (15) Strategic C2 System for CSDP Missions and Operations; (16) Next Generation Small RPAS; (17) Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle Amphibious Assault Vehicle Light Armoured Vehicle; (18) European Patrol Corvette and (19) EU Cyber Academia and Innovation Hub.

Observer status enables a Member State to access information on a project, to map its evolution and to make a considered evaluation on whether the project aligns with national capability development requirements. Observers to PESCO projects have no voting right and cannot influence the direction of the project.

The Defence Forces' positive experience as observers was a key element in the proposal in 2022 to progress to full participation in four projects relating to such issues as cyber threats, disaster relief capability, Special Operations Forces medical training and systems for mine countermeasures. Progression to full participation is recommended only where the Defence Forces believe there is added-value in such participation.

Since joining PESCO in 2017, the only costs of our engagement have been those associated with travel to and attendance at PESCO project planning meetings by Defence Forces' Subject Matter Experts. These costs would not be extractable from the overall Defence Forces expenditure on overseas travel that covers travel for training, attendance at conferences etc.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provides the European Union with an operational capacity to deploy civilian and military missions and operations abroad. Their tasks range from conflict prevention and peace-keeping, crisis management, joint disarmament operations, and military advice and assistance tasks to humanitarian and rescue and post-conflict stabilisation tasks.

CSDP missions and operations contribute to global security, both abroad and at home. Their aim is to help prevent or resolve conflicts and crises, enhance the capacities of partners and, ultimately, protect the European Union and its citizens.

Ireland currently participates in four EU CSDP Military missions and operations, with twenty one Defence Forces personnel deployed as of 1 June 2023.

Eight Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed with EUTM Mali, five with Operation Althea in Boznia and Herzegovina with a further DF member deployed to the EU OHQ of the operation in Mons, Belgium , four with EUMAM Ukraine (one in Brussels and three in Germany) and three are deployed to EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini's operational headquarters in Rome.

Alongside those deployed full time to administrative positions with the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), Defence Forces engagement with this mission involves the provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU Member States. Some elements of training have already been undertaken by the Defence Forces.

Mission	#	Purpose
EUFOR Operation Althea (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	5	The primary focus of EUFOR is on the maintenance and stability of a safe and secure environment, especially supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium	1	Representative/Adviser
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission)	8	To train and mentor the Malian Armed Forces, so as to improve their military capacity and their effectiveness in securing the country’s territorial integrity
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ)	3	To contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed areas of operation in accordance with UNSC resolutions
EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine)	4	Provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

As of 1 June 2023, Ireland is contributing 522 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 319 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 135 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, and the purpose of these missions are listed in the tabular statement below.

UN MISSIONS		Purpose of Deployment
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 122nd Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ	83074	UNIFIL is a UN Chapter VI Peacekeeping Mission
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria	12	To monitor ceasefires, supervising armistice agreements and assisting the UN peacekeeping operations in the area
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 67th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar -Bravo side)	6129	UNDOF supervises the implementation of the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	5	The primary focus of EUFOR is on the maintenance and stability of a safe and secure environment, especially supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission)	8	To train and mentor the Malian Armed Forces, so as to improve their military capacity and their effectiveness in securing the country’s territorial integrity
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ	13	To support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo so as to develop a climate of safety and security
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ)	3	To contribute to preventing arms trafficking within mission agreed areas of operation in accordance with UNSC resolutions
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
High Level Planning Group, Vienna	1	STAFF OFFICER
EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels	8	Military staff appointments
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
Permanent Mission to UN, New York	3*	Military Adviser
Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1	Military Adviser
Military Representative to EU (Brussels)	4	Military Representative
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)	3	Liaison Officer
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium	1	Representative/Adviser
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium	1	Liaison Officer
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe	1	C-IED training
EUMAM	4	Provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU.
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS* 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, Department of Peace Operations.	522

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As a serving member of the Defence Forces approaches retirement, either on age grounds or voluntarily, there are a range of supports made available to them by the Defence Forces.

Transition to Civilian Life courses are conducted by Defence Forces Personnel Support Service teams throughout the year. These courses are aimed at personnel who are retiring on age grounds or who are simply considering a change of career. The course was formally called the "Pre-Retirement" training course. The name was changed acknowledging that personnel are not always retiring when they leave the military.

These courses are of two to three days in duration and are conducted across the organisation. Each serving member is encouraged to undergo a Transition to Civilian Life course at least once during their career and within three years of leaving the Defence Forces. As part of the course, personnel receive advice and guidance on all aspects of retirement. This includes education on 'what to expect' from leaving the Defence Forces, which covers change, relationships, financial matters, health and time management. Personnel also receive information about how others have dealt successfully with these life changes. The purpose of these courses is to enable personnel to anticipate changes in their own lives and to ease the transition to civilian life.

Additionally, I am informed by the military authorities that the following programmes, conducted by the Education and Training Boards, have been made available to Defence Forces personnel, facilitated by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service:

• Skills for Work programme;
• Recognition of Prior Learning programme.

Personnel may also avail of assistance from the Personnel Support Service and Occupational Social Workers as may be required. Advice and guidance is available on a confidential one-to-one basis as required from Personnel Support Service teams on all issues related to leaving the Defence Forces, including pensions and finance, health, psychosocial issues and preparation for career change.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 263 together.

The following table details the total number of personnel who discharged from the Permanent Defence Forces in each of the years 2017 to 2023 (as at 30^thApril):

Year	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Total Discharges	742	740	882	641	686	891	208

*as at 30 of April 2023

The term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and also includes a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.

The established strength and current strength of the Defence Forces as at 30 April 2023 is as follows:

-	Establishment	Total Strength
Army (WTE)	7,520	6,322
Air Corps (WTE)	886	711
Naval Service (WTE)	1,094	764
Army Reserve (Effective Strength)	3,869	1,382
Naval Service Reserve (Effective Strength)	200	77
First Line Reserve (FLR)	N/A	275

WTE - Whole Time Equivalent

Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Military Authorities have advised that the number of persons medically discharged or retired from the Defence Forces in each of the years 2017 to date, is as follows:

Year	Number of Medical Discharges/Retirements
2017	27
2018	29
2019	10
2020	27
2021	30
2022	25
2023 (to date)	4

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The table below gives details of the age profile, in cohorts of 5 year increments, for persons currently in receipt of a military pension.

The data provided relates to pensions arising from service in the Defence Forces which are payable under the following schemes;

• occupational service pensions under the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes
• disability pensions under the Army Pensions Acts 1923 to 1980 (as amended), and
• periodic compensation payments under the Personal Injuries Compensation Scheme for members of the Reserve Defence Force who are injured in the course of duty.

It does not include pensions or payments to widows, former spouses or dependants of members of the Defence Forces.

Age
26 – 30	2
31 – 35	20
36 – 40	163
41 – 45	607
46 – 50	540
51 – 55	973
56 – 60	1848
61 – 65	2427
66- 70	2101
71 – 75	1280
76 – 80	914
81 – 85	427
86 – 90	172
91 – 95	46
96 - 100	7
Total	11,527

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Pensions for former members of the Defence Forces are governed by the provisions of the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes for service pensions, and the Army Pensions Acts for disability pensions.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to quantify fully the number of personnel who are in receipt of a pension and who were retired or received a medical discharge on the basis of being Below Required Medical Standards. The reason for retirement or discharge in individual cases is not normally held on the pension payroll, as it may not be relevant to payroll operations.

Retirement or discharge for being Below Required Medical Standards is not recorded on the pension payroll in circumstances where personnel have attained the minimum service required to qualify for immediate payment of a service pension as the reason for retirement or discharge has no impact on pension benefit and is not required for pensions purposes.

Retirement or discharge for being Below Required Medical Standards is recorded on the pension payroll in circumstances where personnel have not attained the minimum service required to qualify for immediate payment of a service pension on retirement or discharge. This cohort can be readily identified and I can confirm there are 328 such cases.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA).

My Department engages on an ongoing basis with these Veterans Associations and with the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), and has entered into Service Level Agreements with ONE and IUNVA under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €700,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.

Details of total financial supports provided to the relevant Veterans Associations in the period 2017 to 2022, and funds currently allocated for 2023, including funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund, are set out below:

Year	ONE	IUNVA
2017	€44,000	€11,000
2018	€100,000	€11,000
2019	€100,000	€11,000
2020	€100,000	€11,000
2021	€310,000	€74,773
2022	€245,365	€30,000
2023*	€294,635	€176,227

* 2023 allocations have not been paid to date.

Additionally, in line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government to "support the establishment of centres for members of the Defence Forces", my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further ONE Veterans Support Centres and INUVA Posts around the country.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Costings for additional numbers must be subject to a detailed workforce planning exercise that needs to consider rank and organisational structure, technical qualifications, allowances, etc and align with the move to LOA2. In that context, and commensurate with the associated levels of organisational and structural change required, final, definitive costings are currently not available.

As identified in the High Level Action Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces, key enablers necessary to drive recruitment were the appointment of the Head of Transformation and the Head of Strategic HR in the Defence Forces. In that regard, I welcome the recent filling of the appointment of the position of Defence Forces’ Head of Transformation. In addition, the competition to select the Head of Strategic HR has also been recently concluded and the process to appoint the successful candidate is nearing completion.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 266 and 267 together.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.

Two Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased for €26 million on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, the contract had no provision for additional vessel procurement. Following a year long regeneration and modification programme, the ships were transported to Ireland with shipping costs of some €2.9 million. Additional costs associated with further work and other equipment required prior to the ships commencing operational service in 2024 are expected to be in the region of €3 million. As this project is still ongoing, details and figures are provisional and exclusive of VAT.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The core crew complement for the current classes of Naval Service vessels are:

• P50 Class – 44
• P60 Class – 44
• P70 Class – 20

Minimum crewing levels are dependent on the number of available personnel at each grade and for each specialist position that is required for a ship go to sea while meeting minimum health and safety requirements. Should any ship be below the minimum level for any grade or specialist position then the ship will be removed from sailing order.

The core crew complement for each vessel is made up of suitably qualified and experienced personnel. The specific ranks and specialisations of these personnel is an operational matter and therefore cannot be disclosed.