Results 3,421-3,440 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these are paper applications which were received on 15th April 2024. The turnaround time for paper applications is 8 weeks. The applications are within the standard turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue by date. I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Sanctions (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. Approximately €24.9 billion in assets of individuals and entities listed under sanctions relating to Russia has been frozen across the EU. This includes over €1.9 billion of funds frozen by Irish financial institutions. EU Member States...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Agreements (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: On 14 February 2024, then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents were received from the applicant on 24 May 2024. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15 working days. This application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: Following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is estimated that more than €200 billion of immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia are now held in the EU as a result of sanctions. Ireland has been very clear that Russia must be held accountable for the appalling damage caused by its actions. In that context, we have welcomed the recent agreement at EU level to use...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: As outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 9 May 2023, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel of the Defence Forces, namely the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My Department engages on an ongoing basis with these associations...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The wearing of military uniforms in the State is governed by Section 317 of the Defence Act 1954 which prohibits the wearing of a foreign military uniform without Ministerial permission. Requests for persons to enter the State wearing any foreign uniform are dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Such requests are forwarded to the Department of Defence for observations and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Data (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department remains committed to creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. It is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that supports the recruitment, retention, and advancement of all employees, and actively engage in efforts to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Learning & Development Unit of my Department is...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Legislative Measures (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: In terms of specific pieces of legislation, the priority for my Department is the progression of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 through both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess. The Bill has passed Second and Committee Stages in Dáil Eireann and the Report Stage debate is scheduled for the 12th of June. In summary, this Bill, which covers many aspects of the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The ongoing scheme allowing for the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force has assisted in addressing particular skills gaps. The re-enlistment of former personnel with the relevant skills and experience is one of the many actions being pursued to address skills shortages in the PDF. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, which were agreed with the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces Artillery Corps use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems to conduct reconnaissance operations, i.e. non-lethal operations. These UAV systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defence Systems Ltd based in Israel following a competitive tender process, and an upgrade of the equipment was carried out by the original equipment manufacturer commencing in 2016....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy may be aware that the largest vessels in the fleet are the P60 class, measuring 90 metres in length. My officials have advised that the berthage facilities do not extend to accommodating a Ship of the dimensions referred to by the Deputy and as my Department has not been advised of any requirements to accommodate such a ship, I am not in a position to advise further.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. My officials will collate same and I will arrange to have this data provided to the Deputy in due course.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (11 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The overall budget for Vote 36 – Defence is delivered under a single programme entitled ‘Defence Policy and Support, Military Capabilities and Operational Outputs’. Dedicated recruitment funding is not identified separately in the Defence Vote, other than a specific budgetary allocation within Subhead A.22.2 (Miscellaneous: Advertising), which provides for advertising...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: I will talk to the Minister for housing in respect of this in the context of his relationship or engagement with local authorities on antisocial behaviour and how it is impacting on tenants, neighbours and so forth. We need to have resolute and robust procedures. Generally speaking, there are agreements and so on but they need to be enforced.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy tends to be very accusatory, negative and undermining of everything the Government does in respect of anything to do with Palestine.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy's tone was wrong. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been extremely supportive, as have I and successive Ministers, in respect of fellowships for students from Palestine. We have been for quite a number of years. I do not know the precise detail or background of the issue the Deputy raised. She did not approach me previously about it. I will examine the matter, and will...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: -----given that the Department of Foreign Affairs facilitated getting hundreds of Irish citizens and their dependants out of Gaza. There should be a bit of fair play from the Deputy.