Results 3,181-3,200 of 7,401 for speaker:John Brady

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: 3. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the overseas peacekeeping missions the Defence Forces are currently deployed in; if there are plans to expand these missions; if concerns have been expressed to him in regard to the capacity of the Defence Forces to fulfil their overseas role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13747/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: As there is increasing focus on military neutrality, my question is on our position and involvement on peacekeeping missions and our establishment numbers, mandate and responsibilities to these missions. I believe in active neutrality, which means taking active participation in these missions. What impact are the serious challenges around pay and retention having on our capability to honour...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: We have a very proud tradition of peacekeeping missions around the world, as the Minister noted. Many members of the Defence Forces have volunteered to participate efficiently and effectively in these missions. However, it has become increasingly challenging. Last year, RACO identified key challenges on members of the Defence Forces to volunteer for these missions. They have highlighted...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: 1. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if, following the publication of the report from the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces, he will outline a timeframe for the implementation for the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13746/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: Following the publication of the long-awaited report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, what is the timeline for its implementation? Key elements of it need to be implemented immediately, given the pressures relating to pay talks. I again ask the Minister to outline the implementation of the report. What will be the make-up of the implementation body, which will be instrumental in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I also welcome the publication of the report. There are key recommendations in it that will go a long way towards addressing the major challenges of pay and retention in the Defence Forces, for which staffing levels are thousands below where the establishment figure should be. One of the key recommendations, which the Minister has been asked about a number of times now, including by me, is...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I again ask the Minister to show some goodwill. That court case was initiated because of his failure, and that of the Government, to deal with the key issues in the Defence Forces. They are prepared to withdraw their court case, but the Minister needs to demonstrate goodwill in the first instance because if they withdraw that case, they cannot resubmit it. The Minister needs to be very...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: 18. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the plans to address the post-94 contracts within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13230/22]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: 56. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the purpose of the feasibility study on the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks; the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/22]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Update on the Crisis in Ukraine: Engagement with Minister for Foreign Affairs (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I do not need to repeat everything I said in terms of my condemnation. I will say that at the outset. I commend all the officials within the Department and all the other Departments who are working tirelessly on this issue and the fallout from it. I want to put that on record. I welcome the fact that the formal process with the International Criminal Court, ICC, has been initiated when we...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Update on the Crisis in Ukraine: Engagement with Minister for Foreign Affairs (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: The focus, rightly, is on trying to help refugees coming into the country, but as more and more of them arrive, the first port of call for many will be public representatives. Could some sort of mechanism be considered, whether a dedicated phone line or something else, to allow us to make inquiries? These are cross-departmental issues and sometimes they can be difficult to navigate.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I thank the Minister for his opening statement and the helpful comprehensive report attached to it. I will start with the issue of passports, which is a challenging area, particularly coming out of Covid. I commend all the staff in the Passport Office who have done exceptional and brilliant work over what were challenging times in difficult circumstances and who are probably facing into a...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: The statement refers to a 2022 output target of 50%. I saw it a little while ago but I cannot see it now. The low output target is a concern. Perhaps the Minister could give the metrics for the output target anticipated for 2022. An issue that carries through across the various headings is cybersecurity. I have a general question on that, especially as it relates to passports but also...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I got the figure of 50% for foreign birth registrations on page 118 under key outputs and public service activities. It states the percentage of foreign birth registrations processed within the published processing time is 50% for the 2022 output target.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I do not want to be a pain, but I was going to come in on the embassies.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: It was under programme A but-----

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I refer to the prospect of reopening the embassy in Tehran, which has been considered. What is the progress on that? It is not down for mention at all. It needs to progress, particularly as the Iran nuclear deal talks are, it is to be hoped, moving in the right direction. There is an opportunity. I would like an update on that.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: I have a couple of points about passports. Have changes been made to the system? We have spoken about the target moving from 40 days to 35. That is a welcome move in the right direction but it is very frustrating for people when they send all the information they think is required and after 30 days it is flagged that some information is missing.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: Yes. I just wanted to confirm that because it is deeply frustrating for people. Instead of the clock stopping, it goes right back to the start. My second point relates to the prospect of opening an office in Belfast. I get a lot of representations from Irish citizens in the North through MLA or MP offices. It is frustrating that there is not a mechanism for elected public...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Revised) (10 Mar 2022)

John Brady: Programme E has been dealt with anyway. With regard to programme B and Brexit, it is interesting to analyse the response from Britain to the attack on Ukraine by Russia. Does the Minister believe Britain might now be more inclined to reconsider its refusal to establish a common security approach with the EU? Have there been any discussions around that so far? What potential repercussions...