Results 37,781-37,800 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces gathers information for the protection of the security of the State and also for the force protection and security of the Defence Forces at home and abroad. Intelligence assessments are regularly produced on perceived and emerging security threats. The nature of intelligence activities is confidential; therefore, it would...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: European Union (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The recently approved Strategic Compass sets out an analysis of the strategic environment and, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multi-polar world and the strategic implications for the EU. Among the proposals contained in the Strategic Compass is the establishment of an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: In terms of cyber security, at national level, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has the lead role with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ukraine War (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 56 together. The European Peace Facility allows the EU to support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces. In February, March and again in April of 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF). To date, a €1.5 billion package has been approved that will allow...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 43 and 54 together. As of the 31st of March 2022, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stands at 8,366 personnel, consisting of 6,778 Army personnel, 733 Air Corps personnel and 855 Naval Service Personnel. The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has made it clear that the level of ambition (LOA) for the Defence Forces must...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions. In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Historical Conflicts (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961 where "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, came under attack. From the 13th to the 17th September the men of “A” Company endured almost continuous attack. At the end of the Siege, the men were taken into captivity until finally released on the 25th...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: My colleague Minister Ryan, as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, retains overall responsibility for cyber security at a national level but, of course, the response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. I would also note that An Garda Síochána has the role of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 52 together. A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions. In December 2021, I...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined on an annual basis within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Éireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The civil/military Joint Standing Committee on Medical Service Delivery is tasked with advancing the development of a sustainable, integrated medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces. As part of its work, it has committed to reviewing each key medical capability separately. The objective of each review is to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the most appropriate means...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: European Union (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Strategic Compass is an exercise intended to provide enhanced political and strategic direction for EU security and defence policy for the next five to ten years. It sets out an analysis of the strategic environment and, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multi-polar world and the strategic...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published in February 2022. It is a substantial report running to over 180 pages and 69 main recommendations many of which have sub recommendations. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: EU Meetings (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The next meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers’ configuration will take place in Brussels on Tuesday, 17 May 2022. While the agenda has not yet been finalised, it is expected that Ministers will receive briefings on a range of topics touching on the latest developments in the area of security and defence. Ministers will also hold discussions on the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The granting of Annual Leave to members of the Permanent Defence Force is governed by Defence Forces Regulations. I am advised by the Military Authorities that under these Regulations, a member may carry forward annual leave not granted or availed of in the leave year concerned, to a subsequent leave year, subject to a maximum of 24 days in the case of Commissioned Officers; 19 days in the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is my duty of care obligation to all members of the Defence Forces. I am fully committed to ensuring that every member has the right to be treated with dignity, equality and respect to carry out their duties in a safe workplace underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse. The...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Act 1954, as amended, prohibits the unlawful wearing of any Defence Force uniform or dress. Section 264 of the Defence Act 1954 provides that it shall be an offence for any person (not being a member of the Defence Forces) to wear, without permission granted by or on behalf of the Minister for Defence, any uniform of the Defence Forces or any colourable imitation thereof....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: Within the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan, the Defence Forces recognises the need to ensure that the societal changes being witnessed in Ireland would also be reflected in the Defence organisation. The Strategy has clear focus on promoting respect for diversity and recognising the strength that inclusion can bring to the organisation. However,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: Irish Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed in two separate missions in Mali, the European Union Training Mission Mali (EUTM Mali) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA). EUTM Mali mission is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. EUTM Mali complements other...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Simon Coveney: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the national development plan of...