Results 45,421-45,440 of 46,575 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The below table provides details of the contracts held by my Department with Accenture: Provider Type of Service Accenture Limited External ICT Technical Support Services The contract was procured under the OGP's central Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for External ICT Technical Support Services.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Fire Service (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: In December 2024, my Department was informed that an operational decision had been taken by the military authorities to proceed with the closure of the DFTC Fire Station. As the matters raised by the Deputy are consequential to this decision and are of an operational nature, I have requested a report on same from the Chief of Staff. On receipt of same, I will advise the Deputy further.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These Regulations provide for a minimum height requirement for enlistment for both male and female candidates of 157.48cm. The determination of a minimum height...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Department of Defence employs both civil servants and civilian employees. Civilian employees are employed to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces and work in various military installations. My Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, as well as maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Information and Communications Technology (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department's core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' Shared Service. I have been advised by OGCIO that all of the IT systems they provide have been made capable of utilising the síneadh fada, as required.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: EU Directives (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: There are no EU directives that fall under the remit of the Department of Defence awaiting transposition.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I presume the Deputy is referring to buildings rented in the given time period. The information requested is in the below table: List of properties rented Length of Tenancy Total rent from 2015 to date 2025 Sligo - Use for RDF 19 years €13,000.02 Cavan - Use for RDF 13 years €211,560.00 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department has an external company contracted to provide cleaning services for its Department's buildings. The name of the company contracted is Apleona. The most recent contract signed by my department was in July 2021, which is contracted to run until July 2025. The value of the contract to date is €992,244.32. This has included normal day to day cleaning, Covid19 cleaning,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department has an external company contracted to provide security services for two of its Department's buildings. The name of the company contracted is SecureAll. The most recent contract signed by my department was in April 2020, which was contracted to run until May 2024. My department officials are currently working to renew this contract through the OGP Framework, where the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I am advised that the matter referenced by the Deputy may fall within ongoing litigation and in the circumstances I am not in a position to provide the requested details nor comment further.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The military authorities have provided the requested information. The number of males and females that applied for the most recent Naval Service cadet recruitment campaign are provided in the table below. A further breakdown by gender of the different Cadet competitions within the Naval Service, is also provided. The application process for a cadetship in the Naval Service opened on 14th...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: White Papers (8 May 2025)

Simon Harris: Implementation of the White Paper programme has progressed in planned phases since 2015. This phased process was kept under review across the years and was subject to change or update as issues arose and other business dictated. Decisions about which projects to progress at any stage took into account the priorities set out in the Programme for Government, available resources, and initiatives...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Disaster Response (8 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I would like to thank the Deputy for allowing me the opportunity to recognise yet again the positive contribution made by the Civil Defence and the Defence Forces in supporting our communities during Storm Éowyn, and the other severe weather events that occurred this winter. As I have said before and will say again we collectively owe them a debt of gratitude. Climate change is a...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (8 May 2025)

Simon Harris: The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Naval Service stood at 798 in 2022, 725 in 2023, 719 in 2024 and 745 as of the 9 April 2025, the latest date for which this figure is available for. The ongoing staffing challenges in the Naval Service are well documented and to address these a wide ranging suite of recruitment and retention initiatives have been introduced....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Neutrality (8 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 172, 174, 176 and 186 together. As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government intends to reform the Triple Lock legislation whilst also ensuring that amendments to the legislation are in keeping with our values and policy of military neutrality. It cannot be emphasised enough, however that there is no connection between the triple...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 May 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. Across Europe, all countries are experiencing an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment. There is a need for us to be seen to take our own security...

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

Simon Harris: The military authorities,, who are responsible for recruitment, have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), as at 9 April 2025, the latest date for which this figure is available, stood at 7,545 personnel comprising 6,074 Army, 726 Air Corp and 745 Naval Service personnel respectively. A total of 708 personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force in...

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

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 211 together. The current situation in the Area of Operations (AO) where Irish Defence Forces personnel are deployed with UNIFIL in South Lebanon remains one of considerable instability. While there has been a notable decrease in kinetic activity following the recent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, in January, considerable uncertainty continues...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Disaster Response (8 May 2025)

Simon Harris: As Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have made it very clear that any lessons identified from recent events are to be incorporated into future planning and resilience to minimise the impacts of climate related emergencies on our communities. I understand that the Department of Housing has commenced a lessons learnt process following Storm Éowyn. My Department...