Results 35,401-35,420 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within the time frame sought. At the request of my Department the military authorities are conducting the search, retrieval and collation of same. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Ombudsman discharges his duties in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, Act, 2004. Under the provisions of this Act, the Ombudsman has full independence and autonomy in the discharge of his statutory functions. The findings of the Ombudsman, in relation to complaints submitted to his Office under the provisions of the Act,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The purpose of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 is to make provision for and in connection with the protection of persons from the taking of action against them in respect of the making of certain disclosures in the public interest and for connected purposes. Section 16 of the Act provides that subject to exceptions, a person to whom a protected disclosure is made, and any person to whom a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Cybersecurity Policy (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: My Department operates a robust Security Incident Management system which is underpinned by a 24/7 on call ICT service which monitors and responds to all cyber security incidents. My Department implements all recommendations issued by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of our ICT strategy.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Patent Applications (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 83 together. The current Passport processing turnaround times are: - 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, - 15 working days for Complex renewals, - 40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and - 8 weeks for Passport Express. Almost 45% of passports for simple adult renewals continue to issue within one...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The applicant is receiving direct assistance from the relevant Embassy of Ireland supported by the Passport Service. As soon as the required supporting documents are received an emergency travel document will be issued immediately.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: My Department is fully supportive of the implementation of the national remote work strategy. The majority of staff have the ability to work remotely and have access to videoconferencing facilities utilising a range of cloud and on-premises technologies to support blended working. Some staff are unable to work remotely due to their presence being required to carry out essential duties and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have any agencies under its remit.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: There has been an ongoing process of reform within the Passport Service since 2016. The programme has delivered a number of high profile and successful Improvements for citizens at home and abroad who rely on this service. This includes the facility for online applications. In 2019, online applications accounted for 47% of all applications received. Despite the challenges currently...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I welcome all efforts to identify and protect the victims of ISIS brutality, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and support the repatriation and resettlement of Yazidis, allowing them to return to their homes. Ireland is a member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. On the Security Council, Ireland has consistently called for full accountability for crimes committed by Daesh/ISIS....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I can confirm that my Department’s IT Infrastructure has a breadth of infrastructure monitoring in place and provide a 24/7 service. However, for operational security reasons, my Department is not in a position to provide further details of its cyber security systems as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent. ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department or Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas. Once the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The only agency under the remit of my Department is the Army Pensions Board, which is a statutory independent body, established under the Army Pensions Acts. The board comprises three members, all of whom have access to cloud services for remote videoconferencing, and the capacity to work remotely. These services are provided via the Build-to-Share Managed Desktop service supplied by the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. A wide range of supports have since been provided to the HSE as well as to other Departments and Agencies. The Defence Forces are also represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination and continue to provide...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: An individual member of the Permanent Defence Force may be discharged for any one of the twenty-six prescribed reasons set out in Defence Force Regulations which cover various matters. Discharge citing family care issues is not included as a category type and is therefore not recorded. However, some other measures have been introduced as a method of gaining further feedback and insight for...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I wish to reiterate that all members of the Defence Forces have the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ilistened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I expressed my willingness to meet with the participants, should they wish to do so, and I am pleased to say that my offer has been accepted. I have instructed my officials to make the necessary arrangements without delay. In the meantime, I also wish to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (23 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 252 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has already issued a passport to the applicant. The current turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online and 8 weeks...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (23 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: In line with the continued scaling up of Passport Services my Department are actively planning for the opening of our Public Offices for the processing of urgent applications for those renewing their passport. This service will resume initially in the public office of the Passport Service in Dublin and we will be making a public announcement on the specific date very soon. The current...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (23 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update as to the steps they must take to progress their passport application. The current turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time...