Results 421-440 of 20,050 for in 'Written Answers' speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Reserve Defence Force comprises the Army Reserve (AR), Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR). The RDF is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve The FLR consists of former trained members of the PDF who are available at short notice to supplement the PDF in times of crisis. The current strength of the Reserve...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 146 and 149 together. The strength of the PDF, as at 31 January 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, stood at 7,504 personnel, 6,281 of which were enlisted. I have acknowledged the current staffing difficulties previously and I have instructed the military authorities that additional enlisted personnel and Cadets be recruited in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together. The number of personnel inducted and departing varies from year to year. The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As at 31 January 2024, the latest date for which such figures are available, there were 1,112 positions....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 147 together. As of 6 March 2024, Ireland is contributing 553 personnel to 8 different missions throughout the world` and reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: The 2024 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) provides an allocation of €1.25 billion in Defence Group funding, an increase of €40 million over 2023. The Defence Vote Group includes the Defence and Army Pensions Votes. The allocations for 2024 are €933 million for the Defence Vote and €317 million for the Army Pensions Vote. This significant level of funding will further...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, as well as maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: The so-called Triple Lock mechanism sets out the conditions for the deployment of Defence Forces' personnel for peacekeeping operations overseas. These include that the operation must be mandated by the UN, (either by the Security Council or General Assembly), approved by the Government and it must be approved by way of resolution of Dáil Éireann, where the size of the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: An Garda Síochána (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department maintains ongoing, close contact with An Garda Síochána on a range of issues. These include engagement on issues relating to security matters. Due to the sensitivity of any such issues, I am not in a position to provide further details.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: In 2018, The Gambia instituted proceedings against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Gambia claims that Myanmar – ‘through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on the instructions of or under the direction and control of Myanmar’...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: An adult whose passport has expired more than five years ago and a child whose passport has expired more than 10 years ago will need to apply for their next passport as a first time applicant if their expired passport was issued more than 15 years ago. All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. Section 8 of the Act provides for the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. There are no provisions for the spouse or partner of an Irish citizen to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Correspondence (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I note the correspondence sent by the Deputy on 17 January 2024 relating to the case taken by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The Government’s views on this case have been made clear to the Oireachtas on several occasions since 17 January. I have made statements on this matter during debates in the Dáil (on 25 January) and in the Seanad (on 21...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together. With regard to the specific applicants about which the Deputy has enquired, passports have been issued to the applicants through the Urgent Appointment service.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: Ireland, the European Union and other international partners, including the United States, are absolutely clear that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state. There can be no forced displacement of the civilian population of Gaza, nor occupation of the strip by Israel. All Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the concerning case outlined by the Deputy. I am monitoring the situation through our Missions in the region. My officials are continuing to closely follow issues of arbitrary and administrative detention and conditions in detention. These issues are also being discussed and raised through our Missions. This is consistent with calls made by Ireland in its bilateral...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: This is a devastating case for the family concerned and my thoughts are with them. I can assure you that my Department, through our Consular Division at headquarters and our relevant Consulate General, remains actively engaged on this case. A dedicated departmental case officer is in regular contact with the citizen's family. With regard to the specific request to be able to view the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Shannon Airport Facilities (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: Permission for foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, to fly over Ireland or land at Irish airports, is governed by strict conditions. These routinely include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form any part of military exercises or...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am deeply disturbed by the appalling hardship the people of Syria continue to face after 14 years of conflict. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an estimated 16.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Syria this year, a further and worrying year-on-year increase. I am also mindful of the many hardships that Lebanon faces...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (20 Mar 2024)

Micheál Martin: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“The 2008 Act”). For all first time Passport Online applicants, the following original identity documents are required, in addition to documents that prove their entitlement to Irish citizenship: Witnessed identity verification form generated by Passport Online system Proof of address such...