Results 47,461-47,480 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Artificial Intelligence (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can confirm that my Department does not use artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, in drafting Dáil speeches or responses to Parliamentary Questions. In line with the National AI strategy and the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies, my Department continues to keep the use of artificial intelligence for business...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Equipment (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have been advised that 1 encrypted laptop and 3 mobile phones were reported as lost or stolen in my Department over the last 10 years. The devices listed were up-to-date with all security measures required for devices in the Department and so posed no risk to data subjects. All Department of Defence official devices are issued in accordance with OGCIO policies and guidance. These...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to this Government. As Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, I remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff and both I and the Department of Defence are kept apprised of developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: National Security (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: As you are aware Ireland has experienced a significant shift in our security landscape over the past year, similar to several other European countries. There's now heightened attention on maritime security and safeguarding subsea cables. Ensuring the security of Ireland's subsea infrastructure remains a top priority for the government. Ireland is also currently observing on the PESCO...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including drug interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework and the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government on the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of recommendations designed to assist in increasing female participation in the Defence Forces. The military authorities have advised that a number of initiatives have...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Capability priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The following table details the total level of turnover in the PDF in 2022, 2023 and in 2024 as at 31 May, and the corresponding breakdown between trained personnel and those in training. Year Overall Turnover Level In-Training Trained 2022 11.19% 1.92% 9.26% 2023 10% 1.42% 8.58% ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Communications (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department operates four public helplines within two specific areas , relating to Defence Forces Pay & Pensions and Corporate Support. Primary or Level 1 public helplines for Defence Forces Pay & Pensions queries are managed by the National Shared Services Officer (NSSO), as the provider of payroll processing services to government...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Covid-19 Pandemic (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: In 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs recouped €435,883 from the EU in respect of the emergency repatriation of Irish citizens due to COVID-19. The Department has not requested or drawn down any other funds from EU sources in respect of COVID-19. We are not aware of any other funds that would be available to the Department to claim.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Passport Services (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has been in contact with the applicant directly in relation to the documentation required. The applications cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Foreign Birth Registration (10 Jul 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 through naturalisation. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Equal Opportunities Employment (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for employees with disabilities, and to ensuring equality of opportunity in all its employment practices in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024. My Department’s approach is guided by the Disability...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces School of Music provides musical support to Irish State and Defence Forces ceremonial events. It also supports a wide range of local and national civilian and sporting events, in addition to the performance of a schools educational programme at primary and secondary level. The Military Authorities have advised that the following instruments were purchased in the year 2023...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Air Corps operate a fleet of four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required. I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavours to ensure that the maximum...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Defence did not request or draw down any funding from EU sources for Covid-19 purposes over the period specified.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Equal Opportunities Employment (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: In compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, the Department of Defence has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Sports Facilities (11 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: On 20 February, the Government announced an allocation of €50 million from the Shared Island Fund as its contribution towards the redevelopment of Casement Park. The Government has been clear that we would like to see Casement Park redeveloped in time to host EURO2028 matches in Belfast. The Government remains committed to achieving this goal and will work with the Northern...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (11 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I discussed the issue of legacy in my calls with both the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP on July 5, their first day in office. I assured them that the Government remains steadfast in its opposition to the UK Legacy Act as it currently stands but that I looked forward to working closely with the Secretary of State on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.