Results 6,421-6,440 of 50,064 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Demand for Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted at Paris on 9 December 1948. It has been ratified or acceded to by 153 states. Article IX of the Convention provides that disputes between parties about its interpretation, application or fulfilment may be submitted to the International Court of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Cybersecurity Policy (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Staff working in my Department are provided with mandatory cyber security awareness training and regular communications on cyber security matters. The most recent mandatory training programme was launched earlier this month. For reasons of operational and national security, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of my Department’s cyber security arrangements.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department’s approach to cyber security is multi-dimensional and is in line with the advice of the National Cyber Security Centre, with whom we have a deep partnership. The expenditure on cyber security defence in my Department is integrated within overall ICT costs. Details of total expenditure on ICT for the years 2020 - 2022 are as follows: 2020€12,858,109...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Contracts (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department has in place comprehensive arrangements to support cyber security and receives regular advice on these matters from the National Cyber Security Centre. For reasons of operational and national security, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of my Department’s cyber security arrangements.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Cybersecurity Policy (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department implements a “defence in depth” approach to cyber security, that is multiple layers of security are in place to protect our systems. For reasons of operational and national security, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of my Department’s cyber security arrangements.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland implements UN sanctions and EU sanctions adopted as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. EU sanctions seek to bring about a change in the policy and/or behaviour of the target of the restrictive measures. They are used as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to the pursuit of EU foreign policy objectives, along with political dialogue and other complementary...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further documentation for the application. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Contracts (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together. Engagement with third countries is a central part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ireland maintains bilateral relations with Israel. Within this context, both I and my officials maintain frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Israel. Such engagement is particularly important in the context of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I can confirm that the citizens in question were part of the group of Irish citizens and dependants that exited from Gaza via the Rafah crossing last week. They were met by staff from the Irish Embassy in Cairo and provided with consular assistance and support. I can confirm that the two children are now in Ireland with their father.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Since the beginning of the crisis, thousands of foreign and dual nationals have been seeking to leave Gaza. The Rafah border crossing first opened for the exit of foreign and dual nationals on 1 November, though it has subsequently been closed or disrupted on several occasions. Since then, a daily list of individuals cleared to cross is published by the relevant authorities. The evacuation of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Budget 2024 (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: In the pre-budget submission made by my Department to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, a total of €5 million was sought to maintain existing levels of service (ELS) at the Passport Service. In addition, the Department sought to retain an allocation of €10 million from the COVID Contingency Fund, which has been used to support staffing of the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ukraine War (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland and the European Union have been consistent in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression. The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. To...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department is currently compiling the information requested by the Deputy and will respond fully as soon as the information is complete.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 123 and 124 together. My Department implements a programme of continuous review in relation to ICT security in order to keep up to date with current threat levels given that cyber security is a multi-faceted challenge that is constantly evolving. In common with other Government Departments, my Department has in place comprehensive arrangements to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: It is a long-standing policy that long term residential accommodation is no longer provided. There is no immediate plan to reverse this long-standing policy, which was introduced in the early 1990’s and was implemented on a gradual basis in recognition of the sensitivities involved for military personnel and their families. The Deputy may wish to note that there are over 4,500...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am advised by the Defence Forces that their records indicate that there are two contracts currently in place with the organisations referred to in this PQ. Total spend over the last 5 years on these two contracts amounts to €4,063,273. The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces for the acquisition of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Data (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Neither my Department nor the Defence Forces are currently engaged in any exercise, operation, training or research with any Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company. However, I am advised that my Department and the Defence Forces have engaged with...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, have significant strategic interests in identifying and addressing security challenges linked to the coastal defence. In October 2023, the EU approved the revised EU maritime security strategy (EUMSS) and action plan, aimed at addressing security challenges at sea. The strategy and its accompanying action plan were first adopted by the...