Results 48,461-48,480 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces headquarters are jointly situated in McKee and the Curragh barracks; whilst also having HQ offices in Baldonnel Aerodrome, Haulbowline and Newbridge (DFHQ and Department of Defence). Please find a list of capital works projects either ongoing in 2024 or due to commence in 2025. Existing Projects Location Start Completed ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The military authorities have provided the requested details, in the table below, in relation to vacancies in the Defence Forces School of Music. Figures are as at 30 October 2024: Rank Lt Col Comdt Captain CS CQ Sgt Cpl Pte Strength 1 1 4 4 1 37 31 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Equipment (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department procures mobile phone handsets and mobile phone services under the Office of Government Procurement’s central framework for 'Mobile Voice and Data Communications and Associated Products and Services'. The number of mobile phone handsets issued to staff and the total expenditure on mobile phone handsets and mobile phone bills in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 is detailed...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am advised by the military authorities that all promotions throughout the Air Corps are administered promptly and there are no delays currently. The number of officers who were promoted from the rank of second lieutenant to the rank of lieutenant, as requested by the Deputy, are set out in tabular form below: Year Rank on Promotion Service Total Promoted ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am advised by the military authorities that all promotions throughout the Naval Service are administered promptly and there are no delays currently. The number of officers who were promoted from the rank of sub-lieutenant to the rank of lieutenant, as requested by the Deputy are set out in tabular form below. Year Rank on promotion Service Total Promoted...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The current establishment of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is 9,600 personnel. This is comprised of Army 7,520, Air Corps 886, and Naval Service 1,094. and a further 100 additional positions for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces appointments. The military authorities have advised that as of 30 September 2024, the strength of the PDF stood at 7,477. The whole time...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces provides the timelines associated with the implementation of Commission recommendations. That document sets out that the Government decision in relation to a move to Level of Ambition 3 (LOA 3) will be taken in 2028 and that a capacity and capability assessment will be completed to inform that decision...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces calls for the development of an East Coast base for the Naval Service. While IPVs can currently operate from Haulbowline, it is a strategic goal of the Defence Forces to develop a Forward Operating Base on the East Coast. On 25 October, I instructed my officials to enter into discussions with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 14 of 17 October 2024, I have requested the Defence Forces to provide information on the functions formally performed by members of the Defence Forces which have been outsourced since 2020. Preliminary data has been prepared, however, further analysis is required before a final answer can be provided. It is hoped to issue a reply to the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 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: Naval Service (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The following table, based on data provided by the military authorities, sets out the information sought by Deputy from 2019 up to the end of October (the latest date for which information is available). - Completed Patrol Days Cancelled Patrol Days Total Scheduled Patrol Days 2019 1061 94 1155 2020...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am very pleased that this significant Government commitment is now nearing fruition and that members of the Defence Forces are soon to be brought within the scope of the Directive. Extensive work has been undertaken to date between my officials and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to progress the removal of the blanket exemption of the Defence Forces from the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Commemorative Plaques (5 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: There are currently no plans to place a monument or commemorative plaque in Ballymullen Barracks as referenced by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: At the beginning of the new EU institutional cycle, Ireland is keen to play its part in shaping the European policy agenda. This has included conducting an initial, cross-departmental analysis on the recent reports by Enrico Letta “Much More than a Market” and Mario Draghi “The Future of European Competitiveness”. This work commenced immediately following the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The continuation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon is unacceptable. Reports of dozens of deaths in the past week alone are a brutal reminder of the ongoing death and destruction that the people of Gaza are enduring. I am especially concerned about reports of further attacks on hospitals and medical facilities, which are particularly egregious with devastating...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: Ireland supports the important role that UN Special Procedures mandate holders play in the international human rights system. Their work contributes to the development of international human rights standards and helps to raise public awareness on human rights issues. Both I and my officials will continue to defend the important role undertaken by all such mandate holders. Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: On 19 July 2024 the International Court of Justice delivered its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Court’s principal conclusions were that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that Israel is under an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The urgent need to address the conflict in the Middle East remains a priority for Ireland. This includes ongoing support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal and ensure the supply of humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza, as well as our efforts to advance the two-state solution. I have underlined my strong support for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (7 Nov 2024)

Micheál Martin: The military authorities have advised that as at 30 September 2024, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,477 personnel. The requested information concerning the number of vacancies by rank is provided in the attached table. I have acknowledged in the past the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. To...