Results 5,161-5,180 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: State Properties (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy is aware, following the establishment of the LDA in September 2018, the Government decided that two Defence properties would transfer to the LDA, one of which is the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar. Officials in my Department have worked with the Chief State Solicitor's Office as a priority matter to finalise pre-contract matters, relating to Title and other formalities...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Data (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department has been advised by the military authorities that the aircraft referred to by the Deputy requested permission to land in Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel in September 2004. I am advised that the records maintained by the Air Corps noted that the craft landed in Casement Aerodrome on 10 September 2004, departed shortly after arrival and returned later that day with a final...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1999, at which time the Government and Dáil Éireann approved Ireland’s participation, with the foremost priority for participation being cooperation in peacekeeping. Ireland's participation is tailored so that it reflects our national priorities, and is fully consistent with Ireland’s policy of military...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can advise the Deputy that the following significant capital projects are currently underway at Casement Aerodrome and Haulbowline Naval Base, at stages ranging from design planning to construction, representing a total estimated value of over €47 million: Project Status Casement Aerodrome Casement Aerodrome: Military...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Capital Expenditure Programme (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is key feature of the recently published Strategic Framework...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline. It should be noted that foreign vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: 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 officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The table below details the number of personnel who were discharged, by rank and by year, between 2019 and 2023, as requested. The military authorities have advised that it is not possible to provide the requested detail on the length of service for each individual as this information is not readily available. Discharges from Permanent Defence Forces - 2019 to 2023 2019...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Legislative Measures (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Under Section 3(1) of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, a contingent or member of the Permanent Defence Force may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government, be despatched for service outside the State for the purpose of filling appointments or postings (S.3(1)(a)) and conducting or participating in training (S.3(1)(b)). Dáil Éireann approval is not required...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Legislative Measures (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together. Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1999, at which time the Government and Dáil Éireann approved Ireland’s participation, with the foremost priority for participation being cooperation in peacekeeping. Ireland's participation is tailored so that it reflects our national priorities, and is...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: It has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The current strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of end of December 2023 is as follows: Service Total Effective Personnel Army Reserve 1,323 Naval Service Reserve 84 First Line Reserve 282 In terms of recruitment and retention measures for the RDF, a long-term regeneration plan is being...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (20 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: In my statement to the Dáil on 22 November, I asked my officials in the Department of Defence to prepare legislative proposals without delay that would govern the future overseas deployments of our Defence Forces. Work on the preparation of those legislative proposals has commenced, with a view to proposals being brought to Government in due course. As the Deputy will be aware, the...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, has been attentive to the needs of An Post. He and the Government have worked over the past two or three years to support An Post through a variety of funding approaches. An Post is responsible for operational planning and change of systems. I think the Deputy indicated it will either review or make sure the...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has made very fair points about communication. There has been a ramping up in respect of the community engagement teams, additionality and additional resources. The scale of the challenge is enormous and that has to be recognised as well. In January alone, over 2,000 people sought international protection in the country. That is double the average of last year. We have 27,000...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Government has allocated unprecedented funding for inner city renewal across a range of funding, including housing, city centre infrastructure and regeneration. Dublin City Council is the key agency here and is responsible for its own housing stock and regenerating many of the apartment complexes the Deputy has spoken about. In many other cities, regeneration of various apartment blocks...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I read recently that the county council had made a submission. That will have to be examined by the Department, obviously, in respect of the wider damage to the area. That figure is a huge amount, and it is illustrative of the cost of climate change. I have no doubt the storm was a climate event. It is an illustration of how we have to move on adaptation and flood relief. I will come...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I agree with the Deputy, basically. I think he has articulated the case very well. There is a shortage of drivers. Obviously, Bus Éireann wants to make sure the safety situation is correct and it has resisted making that change, in its view, in the interests of safety. The world has changed dramatically in relation to life expectancy and people are now in a position to work at ages...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I appreciate the Deputy raising the issue. I will talk to the Minister for Health and ask that the information be sent to the Deputy in respect of either timelines or the wider issue of neuro-rehabilitation.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy knows, and as I said earlier, in 2019 the then Government agreed €5 million in funding towards a runway extension project. The estimated cost then was approximately €12 million and that €5 million was contingent on local authority and private investment necessary to complete the project being committed. It said at the time any risks relating to cost...