Results 561-580 of 47,282 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected in the number of Reserve Training and Support Days (RTSDs) undertaken in 2024 which totalled 28,762 days, an excess of 2,762 days over the original allocation of 26,000 days. The original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the ruling in relation to PRSI. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment in any detail in relation to this matter. The Reserve Defence Forces members continue to engage in activities in support of Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) on a voluntary basis, when it is in the best interests of the PDF to do so. The ultimate goal...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: I am advised by the Military Authorities that an internal review has been undertaken in relation to this particular case. I understand that as a result of the review the matter has been resolved and the individual in question has indicated they are satisfied with its resolution.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These medical standards are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and, having regard to the nature of the job, the duties...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Expenditure (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Expenditure from the Defence Vote provides mainly for pay and allowance, operational and capital investment costs throughout the Defence Forces. My Department does not provide funding on a geographic basis, with the limited exception of the funding provided from the Defence Vote to Civil Defence and for the maintenance and upgrade of military installations. Details of the funding...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: I am advised that buildings occupied by the State are exempted from commercial rates under Schedule 4, section 12A of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Schedule 4 lists all types of property that are exempt from commercial rates. “12A.—Property, being a building or part of a building, land or a waterway or a harbour directly occupied by— (a) any Department or Office...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: On 28th August the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate to the end of 2026 with a period of withdrawal to follow in 2027. Ireland and the Defence Forces have a longstanding and proud history of engagement with UNIFIL over many years and a commitment to the people of Lebanon. I was able to see this at first hand when I visited the women and men of the Defence Forces serving with...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Civilian Staff are employed by my Department to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. There are no Civilian Grooms employed in the Equitation School, however, there are two Civilian General Operatives assigned to that location. Year 2023 1 x General Operative 2024 2 x General Operative ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: A contract for Runway and Taxiway Overlay works was completed in December 2002 and a subsequent contract for Apron Repairs work was completed in November 2005. Ongoing surface maintenance is provided as required and the most recent repairs were undertaken in 2021 and 2022. I am advised by the military authorities that there are no plans to have the runways at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Since 1 January 2022 to date, there have been twenty-one meetings of the GTF (detailed breakdown below at Fig 1). Since the 1 January 2022, there have been eleven exercises completed (detailed breakdown below at Fig 2) Fig 1. Government Task Force Meetings since 1 January 2022 Year 2022 09 February 06 April ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces routinely carry out at sea monitoring of Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This monitoring is done using both Naval Service and Air Corps assets. In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel. These staff carry out remote...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Capital Expenditure Programme (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030 is €1,700 million. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million. Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms – expenditure...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Capital Expenditure Programme (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030 is €1,700 million. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million. Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms – expenditure...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: United Nations (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland and the Defence Forces have a longstanding and proud history of engagement with UNIFIL over many years and a commitment to the people of Lebanon. I was able to see this at first hand when I visited the women and men of the Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL earlier this year. On 28th August the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate to 31 December 2026, this will be...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The military authorities have advised that as of 30 July 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,540. Figures provided for 2024 and to date in 2025 indicate a stabilisation in the strength. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024, the highest in over five years. While it is positive that numbers are...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Policies (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 233 and 234 together. The blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act for Defence Force's personnel was removed in January this year. The protections of the Organisation of Working Time Act are now available to the majority of Defence Force's personnel. There are a number of exemptions from the provisions of Act for personnel...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (29 Jul 2025)

Simon Harris: With regard to the passport application to which the Deputy is referring, the Passport Service has made contact with the applicant in order to assist.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Meetings (29 Jul 2025)

Simon Harris: Promoting and sustaining peace is a signature element of Ireland’s foreign policy, as well as a key priority for our international development policy. Our commitment to peacebuilding is informed by our experience of conflict on the island of Ireland and the importance of developing inclusive approaches to conflict resolution through dialogue. As part of our commitment to promoting...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (29 Jul 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 to 36, inclusive, and 146 together. Ireland supported the special session of the Human Rights Council in May 2021 that established a Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory. That body published a position paper on 24 October 2024 responding to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024, to which I...