Results 2,661-2,680 of 50,909 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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

Micheál Martin: It has not been possible to provide a response in the time allocated for PQs. I will revert to the Deputy in due course.

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

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will appreciate, for security and operational reasons, given the sensitive nature of such matters it would not be appropriate for me to disclose details of surveillance operations undertaken by the Defence Forces. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that in relation to the Defence Forces' military intelligence function, there are a number of statutory provisions on which they...

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

Micheál Martin: There are a number of civil servants in my Department who have availed of career break in accordance with the provisions of Circular 4/2013. I can confirm that a total of 4 civil servants availed of a career break in 2023, 2 Executive Officers and 2 Clerical Officers and one further Clerical Officer availed of a career break in 2024, none of which exceeded a period of 5 years or more.

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

Micheál Martin: I confirm that the provisions of Circular 4/2013 are strictly complied with in all cases where civil servants avail of a career break in my Department. As per the Circular, the onus is on each individual to notify the Department of their intention to return to work at least two months in advance of the end of their career break. My Department facilitates a return to work as soon as a vacancy...

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

Micheál Martin: l am advised that Defence Forces personnel on overseas tours of duty are debriefed before repatriation and informed of the supports available to them should they experience issues upon return home. Personnel are also examined by a military medical officer prior to repatriation and may raise any concerns at that examination. In the event of further care being required, personnel have...

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

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The following capital works in the DFTC, (Curragh Camp, Kildare) are completed or nearing completion at a total investment of almost €35m: Upgrade of Accommodation at Plunkett Barracks- Completed 2020 Ammunition storage – Completed 2020 New Electric...

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

Micheál Martin: The Land Staff team, among other duties, carry out tidying of roadsides by regular litter picking along the verges which they convey to bins in their work yard. An external firm is contracted to remove waste stemming from illegal encampments and fly-tipping. To date in 2024 (as at 10th October) the total cost, including VAT, spent with the contracted service provider for the removal of...

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

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 159 and 161 together. The Curragh of Kildare bye-laws date from 1964 and detail the enforcement measures available in the event of a breach of same, to which I refer the Deputy for further details. Given the range of matters covered in this legislation, it is not possible to provide general information on the total reported number of infringements....

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

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 162 and 163 together. The grazing of sheep is permitted on the green and blue lands of the Curragh Plains subject to the owners of those sheep being able to prove they have an entitlement to use the grazing rights, either by virtue of their ownership of specific land parcels as specified in Schedule 1 of the original 1870 Curragh of Kildare Act, or...

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

Micheál Martin: Over the last four weeks the Deputy will be aware of the challenging and difficult operational environment Irish peacekeepers face in UNIFIL. In order to implement its mandate as defined by the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), UNIFIL carries out a range of operations across its Area of Operations between the Litani river in the north and the Blue Line (Line of Withdrawal of...

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

Micheál Martin: The following capital works for the DFTC are included in the Infrastructure Development Plan and are at various stages of the procurement pipeline at a total value of €57m: New Transport Storage Facility x 2 - Estimated Completion early 2025 CIS Corps Workshop and Stores- Estimated Completion 2026 New Army Ranger Wing HQ Block – Expected completion 2027 Refurbishment of 1...

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

Micheál Martin: The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is organised on a regional basis, in 28 individual locations, existing as sub-units of parent Permanent Defence Force (PDF) units, with the Defence Forces Headquarters and the Defence Forces Training Camp (DFTC) residing in Kildare. The RDF currently make a significant contribution to our national defence capability. For example the military authorities...

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...