Results 5,481-5,500 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Cybersecurity Policy (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: My Department operates a robust Security Incident Management system which is underpinned by a 24/7 on call ICT service which monitors and responds to all cyber security incidents. My Department implements all recommendations issued by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of our ICT strategy.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Patent Applications (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 83 together. The current Passport processing turnaround times are: - 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, - 15 working days for Complex renewals, - 40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and - 8 weeks for Passport Express. Almost 45% of passports for simple adult renewals continue to issue within one...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The applicant is receiving direct assistance from the relevant Embassy of Ireland supported by the Passport Service. As soon as the required supporting documents are received an emergency travel document will be issued immediately.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: My Department is fully supportive of the implementation of the national remote work strategy. The majority of staff have the ability to work remotely and have access to videoconferencing facilities utilising a range of cloud and on-premises technologies to support blended working. Some staff are unable to work remotely due to their presence being required to carry out essential duties and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have any agencies under its remit.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: There has been an ongoing process of reform within the Passport Service since 2016. The programme has delivered a number of high profile and successful Improvements for citizens at home and abroad who rely on this service. This includes the facility for online applications. In 2019, online applications accounted for 47% of all applications received. Despite the challenges currently...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I welcome all efforts to identify and protect the victims of ISIS brutality, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and support the repatriation and resettlement of Yazidis, allowing them to return to their homes. Ireland is a member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. On the Security Council, Ireland has consistently called for full accountability for crimes committed by Daesh/ISIS....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I can confirm that my Department’s IT Infrastructure has a breadth of infrastructure monitoring in place and provide a 24/7 service. However, for operational security reasons, my Department is not in a position to provide further details of its cyber security systems as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent. ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department or Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas. Once the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Flexible Work Practices (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The only agency under the remit of my Department is the Army Pensions Board, which is a statutory independent body, established under the Army Pensions Acts. The board comprises three members, all of whom have access to cloud services for remote videoconferencing, and the capacity to work remotely. These services are provided via the Build-to-Share Managed Desktop service supplied by the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. A wide range of supports have since been provided to the HSE as well as to other Departments and Agencies. The Defence Forces are also represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination and continue to provide...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: An individual member of the Permanent Defence Force may be discharged for any one of the twenty-six prescribed reasons set out in Defence Force Regulations which cover various matters. Discharge citing family care issues is not included as a category type and is therefore not recorded. However, some other measures have been introduced as a method of gaining further feedback and insight for...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I wish to reiterate that all members of the Defence Forces have the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (22 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ilistened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I expressed my willingness to meet with the participants, should they wish to do so, and I am pleased to say that my offer has been accepted. I have instructed my officials to make the necessary arrangements without delay. In the meantime, I also wish to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: In relation to the Deputy's query a passport has already been issued to the applicant in question.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 315, 320, 324 and 337 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant. The current turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 321 together. I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts to consolidate or legitimise the military regime. I call for an end to violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of a legitimate, civilian Government. As...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Protection (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together. I wish to reiterate my deep concern at recent developments in Afghanistan to which Ireland has been responding in a number of ways. At international level, Ireland is working to address a range of issues particularly through our role as President of the UN Security Council. When I chaired the meeting of the Council on 9...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The application to which the Deputy refers was received on 10 February 2020, and is currently waiting to be processed. All documentation submitted is being stored in a secure environment. My Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (“the 1956 Act”), as amended. We take our...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Properties (21 Sep 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs occupies twelve buildings in the State. The locations of those that have reception areas to which members of the public normally have access are set out in the following table. The operation of our public offices has necessarily been restricted due to health and safety considerations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with our continued scaling...