Results 3,721-3,740 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant's parent directly to provide an update on the status of the passport application.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.  The report was published on the 9th February 2022.   The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Forces are paid increases, in pay and allowances, in line with Public Service pay agreements. The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. A general round...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The review of technical pay in the Defence Forces was provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Agreement). The purpose of the review, in the context of the agreement, was to rationalise existing technical pay arrangements and consider if the requirements could be met in a more cost effective manner. A review of Technical Pay...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: During the period concerned my Department procured Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings, for staff use within the Department's premises, from both local and OGP Framework suppliers, details of which are provided in the table below: Supplier Cost (Ex VAT) Medichem €1,744.00 Tailored Image €4,275.00...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: During the period concerned my Department procured Covid-19 related hand sanitiser, for use within Departmental buildings, from both local and OGP Framework suppliers, details of which are provided in the table below: Supplier Cost (Ex VAT) Bunzl Cleaning & Safety Supplies  €1,900.80 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Traveller Community (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: My Department promotes a fair, tolerant and inclusive work place.  It is fully committed to equality of opportunity and this is a fundamental value espoused in its People Strategy. Civil servants in my Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which has diversity and inclusivity as a central element in its recruitment practices.  Recruitment to my...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: It is acknowledged that my Department receives correspondence on a continuous basis from the named person. The correspondence has been addressed by way of reply appropriate to the individual issues raised by him. Some of the issues raised by him are beyond my policy brief as Minister for Defence and this person has been so advised. I am aware that there has also been correspondence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 447, 448, 451, 452 and 453 together. As at 28 February, 2022, there were 576 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel serving overseas, of which 37 were female. On the same date, the strength of the - PDF was 8,398 personnel (establishment strength 9,500) - Army was 6,788  personnel(establishment strength 7,520) - Air Corps was 743...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 10thMarch 2022, is 761 wholetime equivalent personnel. The table below shows the strength by requested stream: - Personnel Stream Strength as at 10/03/2022 Qualified pilots 89 Cadets currently completing military training* 15 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: World Economic Forum (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: As Minister for Defence I have not, nor have officials in this Department, engaged with the World Economic Forum or representatives of the World Economic Forum.  Any correspondence I may have with the World Economic Forum is dealt with in my remit as Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: As the matter referenced by the Deputy is currently under investigation by the Military Authorities, in accordance with the relevant Defence Forces Regulations and associated Administrative Instructions, it would be inappropriate of me to comment further on it at this time. However, I can advise that the unlawful possession, supply, or use, of a controlled drug is incompatible...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 456, 457 and 458 together. As the Deputy will be aware, following Government approval on 25 January last,  an Independent Review Group, under the Chair of retired High Court Judge, Bronagh O’Hanlon, has been established to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Civil Defence (22 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Defence is responsible for the development of Civil Defence at national level.  In this context my Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support, guidance and centralised procurement of certain items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts. The...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 23, 24 and 47 together. My understanding is that the work plan has been completed. I am very careful to ensure that this report remains distant from the Minister so that it is seen genuinely as an independent report, which it needs to be. Even though this process and the people who are leading it have much support in terms of existing Defence Forces...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Government has been doing a lot in this space in recent years and a number of Departments are contributing to that. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, under the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is the primary Department involved, but the Defence Forces contribute to that. We have Defence Forces personnel at the NCSC. On a European level, there is also an awful...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations. As I outlined earlier, a process is under way to consider these recommendations in consultation with Government colleagues. However, I take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that the Permanent Defence Force continues to offer excellent career opportunities for both serving personnel and new...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (10 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: The commission report did not pull any punches in regard to HR management in the Defence Forces. Even though some of the examples that I outlined are very welcome and necessary, in regard to trying to change the culture and approach towards staffing in the Defence Forces, a more fundamental change is needed in terms of culture, particularly towards women and other minorities, in the Defence...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Expenditure (10 Mar 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has not made any proposal to place an arms embargo on Israel. What we are doing and will continue to do is speak to both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to try to advance a peace process that is desperately needed. We have continued to do that and we have called out illegality when it has taken place. I have been clear, and at times, quite forceful, in my criticism of the Israeli...