Results 1,401-1,420 of 47,282 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Correspondence (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: This conflict remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts. I have repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. We have also been clear in our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the release of remaining hostages. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Our Peacekeepers in Lebanon are part of an international, UN-mandated force under the command of UNIFIL. Whilst the Irish Patrol were not directly targeted in the incident on 29 May, I unreservedly condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers. The incident in Yaroun was completely unacceptable. On my instructions, a formal demarche was delivered to both the United Nations and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. As the Deputy may recall, the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, commonly known as the Oslo Accords, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: On 28 May, Ireland marked one year since we announced, alongside Spain and Norway, that we would recognise the State of Palestine. We took that decision as an expression of our support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, self-governance, statehood territorial integrity and security. Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine, alongside a number of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: There are no deployments currently being planned in anticipation of the legislative amendments proposed under the Defence Amendment Bill. Where any deployments are proposed, in the assessment of any request to participate in an overseas peacekeeping mission, among the main considerations are its compliance with Irish law and our foreign policy. Other elements include consent of the host...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland is committed to playing a positive and constructive role in the maintenance of international peace and security, as evidenced by the long standing participation of our Defence Forces in peace operations. In the context of deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas to peace operations, Ireland’s aim in “strengthening international security” intends to reflect...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Expenditure (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The name of my Department has remained unchanged.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Under the Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980 a disability pension or gratuity may, following retirement, be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) for permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad) or to a disease attributable to, or aggravated by, overseas service with a United Nations Force. The criteria...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Strategies (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, the Secretary General is required to submit a new Strategy Statement, for Ministerial approval, within six months of the appointment of a new Minister. The current Strategy Statement was formally approved in October 2023 and covers the period 2023 to 2026. The new Strategy Statement for the Department of Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The information sought by the Deputy is set out below : Year Number of patrols 2022 97 2023 54 2024 112

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 226 and 227 together. The Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommended an increase in the establishment of the Army Reserve to 3,900, an increase of the Naval Service Reserve establishment to a minimum of 400 personnel, and the establishment of an Air Force Reserve of a minimum of 200 personnel . These recommendations are being considered in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The information is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Initial indications from the military authorities were received in my Department in early May on the likelihood of a reduction in services, as a result of expected losses in personnel to a private airport provider. All stakeholders availing of services from Baldonnel have been appraised of the situation, and in relation to particular important services such as Garda & EAS and medical...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to provide a response within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once a response is compiled.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to provide a response within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once a response is compiled.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: As Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding. The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces sets...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces Board (DFB) is comprised of the following members:Chief of Staff (COS)Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) OperationsDeputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) SupportAssistant Chief of Staff (ACoS)Head of Strategic HR (HoSHR)Head of Transformation (HoT)Gender Advisor (GENAD) In line with a recommendation from the 2022 Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report, a direct...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Since I took office, I have met with Senior Leadership. I am in regular contact with the Secretary General, the Chief of Staff, members of the Management Board, and Defence Forces Senior Leadership team and will meet them all periodically throughout my term in office.