Results 3,501-3,520 of 50,909 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (11 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I was pleased to have my first call with Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP on Friday 5 July following his appointment to the role earlier that afternoon. I congratulated the Foreign Secretary on the Labour party's success in the elections and on his appointment. The focus of our call was on both the bilateral relationship and international issues. Reflecting on the breadth of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (11 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The European single market is one of the EU’s crowning achievements, and seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people. These are known collectively as the ‘four freedoms’. It has been a significant economic growth engine for the EU, providing for a shared approach to?the challenges of migration, terrorism and climate change, and helping...

Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024: Referral to Select Committee (10 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Health pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)(a) and 181(1).

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,...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: I know the Acting Chair was joining with me in celebrating Cork's victory on Sunday.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: He had no choice in that matter. I also welcome the Kildare active retirement group as well. Senator Craughwell persists in either misreading or deliberately distorting what is in the Bill. The Bill stresses "while in uniform, or-----

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: It states: a member of the Permanent Defence Force shall not— (a) while in uniform or otherwise making himself or herself identifiable as a member of the Permanent Defence Force— (i) make, without prior authorisation from the member’s commanding officer, a public statement or comment in relation to a political matter or matter of Government policy, or (ii) attend...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: That was affecting Third World organisations.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: Speak for yourself.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: That is not the case.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: Through the Chair, it is outrageous to say, as Senator Craughwell has said, that members of the Defence Forces cannot become members of a committee in a sporting club or any organisation. Nothing changes in that respect. My own club, Nemo Rangers, benefited enormously from military personnel through the years who helped us win All-Ireland club championships and so on. One, Shea Fahey, came...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: The integrity of the Irish passport is the foremost priority of the Passport Service. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 3rd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Artificial Intelligence (9 Jul 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is grounded in its Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Interim Policy. In line with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Policy states that GenAI systems (such as ChatGPT) should not be used to respond to correspondence such as Parliamentary Questions, or to draft Department or Government policy. My...