Results 44,981-45,000 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together. In the past, I have received correspondence related to this case, as have officials in my Department. I understand that members of the Oireachtas have also received details of this case. The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. In particular, the protection of human rights defenders is a key...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Almost 2 years into its unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues its barbaric bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure. On the frontline, Ukraine now finds itself in a very difficult situation. After four months of intense fighting, the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast has fallen to Russian forces, who have taken severe casualties in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 to 39, inclusive, together. The closure of roads on Defence owned lands during the course of operational and training activities is carried out pursuant to Section 274 of the Defence Act, 1954. The Act provides that the Officer in Command may temporarily stop all traffic by land or water where in their opinion same may be necessary for the security of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: As the Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh lands pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act, 1961. I believe it is important to bear this in mind, as under that Act, the Curragh Plains is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance. I wish to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service initially requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 8 February 2024. The turnaround time for Post Passport applications is 8 weeks. Supporting documents were received from the applicant on 14 February 2024. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Child Abduction (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance. I appreciate that the circumstances of this case are very difficult for all concerned. I have engaged directly with my counterpart in the jurisdiction in question on this matter and I subsequently met...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. If a person or their parent was born on the island of Ireland before 1 January 2005, they are an Irish citizen and they can apply for an Irish passport without making an application for...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Each year, the Air Corps receives a number of invitations and requests to participate at Airshows at home and abroad. All requests for Air Corps participation in overseas exhibitions are subject to operational commitments being met . I understand that in general Air Corps' participation in overseas shows is limited to static displays only. In relation to emissions, the Defence Forces, as...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (29 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Caithfidh mé a rá gur drochscéal ar fad atá le feiscint i nGaza. Tá sé dochreidte an méid atá á fhulaingt acu agus caithfidh muid gach aon iarracht a dhéanamh chun an cogadh seo a stopadh. Tá muid sa tír seo ag déanamh gach iarrachta agus tá sé sin soiléir ón méid atá déanta againn go...