Results 46,621-46,640 of 46,723 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Sanctions (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The United States has not imposed sanctions on the European Union. I understand the Deputy is likely referring to the recent trade deal between the United States and the European Union and specifically the Joint Statement on an EU-US Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade which was published on 21 August. That deal confirms a single, all-inclusive 15% tariff on EU...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Intensive and constructive work has been, in particular since the beginning of the year, at both official and political level, between the Irish and British governments to determine if we can find adequate common ground to move forward together on legacy. Seeking a joint approach for reform of the Legacy Act has been the focus of all of my meetings and phone discussions with the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Policies (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Pursuant to Section 12 of the CER Regulations (S.I No 559 of 2024), it is a matter for the relevant competent authorities to identify the Critical Entities within their relevant sectors within 21 months of the coming into operation of the CER Regulations. Pending the identification of same the issue of audits and enforcement actions pursuant to these regulations does not arise. My Department...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy may be aware, the Defence Forces have recently established a Joint Cyber Defence Command (JCDC). This Command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces operations at home and overseas, and enhance national cyber defence resilience and contingent capabilities. To support this development, a...

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

Simon Harris: The military authorities have provided the detail in following table outlining the number of Reserve Defence Force (Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve) applications received, by year, from 2020 to 2025 (*as at 1 August 2025): 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025* Number of Applications 1,670 76 1,349...

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

Simon Harris: The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected in the number of Reserve Training and Support Days (RTSDs) undertaken in 2024 which totalled 28,762 days, an excess of 2,762 days over the original allocation of 26,000 days. The original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further...

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

Simon Harris: The Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the ruling in relation to PRSI. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment in any detail in relation to this matter. The Reserve Defence Forces members continue to engage in activities in support of Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) on a voluntary basis, when it is in the best interests of the PDF to do so. The ultimate goal of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces facility at Killorglin is currently used by the Defence Forces for military exercises, tactical training and to aid both Civil Power and Civil Authority activities in the area. My officials will liaise directly with the named organisation to ascertain their requirements and to ascertain if this request can be facilitated.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department has been engaged on an ongoing programme of barracks consolidation since 1998 and the entire property portfolio is under continual review. The property outlined below is in County Kerry and is currently vacant and it is my Department’s policy to dispose of properties that are surplus to military requirements. Property Address Approx...

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

Simon Harris: The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected in the number of Reserve Training and Support Days (RTSDs) undertaken in 2024 which totalled 28,762 days, an excess of 2,762 days over the original allocation of 26,000 days. The original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further...

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

Simon Harris: The Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the ruling in relation to PRSI. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment in any detail in relation to this matter. The Reserve Defence Forces members continue to engage in activities in support of Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) on a voluntary basis, when it is in the best interests of the PDF to do so. The ultimate goal...

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

Simon Harris: I am advised by the Military Authorities that an internal review has been undertaken in relation to this particular case. I understand that as a result of the review the matter has been resolved and the individual in question has indicated they are satisfied with its resolution.

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

Simon Harris: Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These medical standards are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and, having regard to the nature of the job, the duties...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Expenditure (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: Expenditure from the Defence Vote provides mainly for pay and allowance, operational and capital investment costs throughout the Defence Forces. My Department does not provide funding on a geographic basis, with the limited exception of the funding provided from the Defence Vote to Civil Defence and for the maintenance and upgrade of military installations. Details of the funding...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: I am advised that buildings occupied by the State are exempted from commercial rates under Schedule 4, section 12A of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Schedule 4 lists all types of property that are exempt from commercial rates. “12A.—Property, being a building or part of a building, land or a waterway or a harbour directly occupied by— (a) any Department or Office...

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

Simon Harris: On 28th August the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate to the end of 2026 with a period of withdrawal to follow in 2027. Ireland and the Defence Forces have a longstanding and proud history of engagement with UNIFIL over many years and a commitment to the people of Lebanon. I was able to see this at first hand when I visited the women and men of the Defence Forces serving with...

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

Simon Harris: Civilian Staff are employed by my Department to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. There are no Civilian Grooms employed in the Equitation School, however, there are two Civilian General Operatives assigned to that location. Year 2023 1 x General Operative 2024 2 x General Operative ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (8 Sep 2025)

Simon Harris: A contract for Runway and Taxiway Overlay works was completed in December 2002 and a subsequent contract for Apron Repairs work was completed in November 2005. Ongoing surface maintenance is provided as required and the most recent repairs were undertaken in 2021 and 2022. I am advised by the military authorities that there are no plans to have the runways at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel...

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

Simon Harris: Since 1 January 2022 to date, there have been twenty-one meetings of the GTF (detailed breakdown below at Fig 1). Since the 1 January 2022, there have been eleven exercises completed (detailed breakdown below at Fig 2) Fig 1. Government Task Force Meetings since 1 January 2022 Year 2022 09 February 06 April ...

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

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces routinely carry out at sea monitoring of Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This monitoring is done using both Naval Service and Air Corps assets. In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel. These staff carry out remote...