Results 6,921-6,940 of 50,064 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: Since the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion injured, I have consistently expressed my determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. On 26 January, I visited...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 August 2023, the latest date for which such figures are available, was 7,671 personnel. The establishment of the Permanent Defence Force has recently been increased to 9,589. This increase is intended to expedite implementation of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, through the creation of 89 additional promotional...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: As Minister for Defence, I commend the courage and professionalism of the Defence Forces personnel involved in this challenging and successful Joint Task Force operation, together with colleagues from Customs and An Garda Síochána. Overall responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, while...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: As at 31 August 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces was 7,671 personnel comprised of 6,221 Army personnel, 695 Air Corps personnel and 775 Naval Service personnel. I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: White Papers (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The White Paper on Defence published in 2015 set out the Government intention to put in place a new fixed cycle of defence reviews. Such reviews are common practice internationally and give reassurance that policy remains up to date and relevant to changing future circumstances. The White Paper set out that every three years there will be a White Paper update that would consider...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ukraine War (3 Oct 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. EU...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Bodies (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Women’s Network (DWN), a joint civil/military initiative, was officially launched in 2022 following preparation and external training for a volunteer civil and military committee in 2021 provided by an external consultant, Gillian Hartford, Country Executive of 30% Club. The DWN welcomes anyone working in either the Defence Forces or the Department of Defence, including...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: 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. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (3 Oct 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: Data Protection (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department documents personal data breaches that have occurred in accordance with Article 33(5) of the GDPR. The table below sets out the number of data breaches reported to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) since the introduction of the GDPR on 25 May 2018 in respect of which this Department bore principal responsibility. Year Number of Data Breaches Reported ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: Building strategic political partnerships with the United States and Canada is at the heart of Ireland's Strategy for the US and Canada 2019 - 2025, with a view to maintaining and building strong transatlantic relations. Encouraging and securing high level US political visits to Ireland is important to delivery of this objective. A highlight this year was President Biden's visit to Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the establishment of an anti-corruption task force by G7 Justice Ministers in July of this year. I welcome this initiative, which will strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption in Ukraine. I look forward to hearing updates on its progress in due course. Tackling corruption is an essential part of the reforms Ukraine needs to undertake in order to advance its EU candidacy,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Policies (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department issues Personal Security Clearance Certificates to applicants, civil servants and on occasion other individuals working with EU Institutions, where there is a clear requirement to do so. A Garda Vetting Form must be completed and submitted with a valid form of identification in respect of each applicant. Once an applicant has satisfied the necessary criteria, a personal Security...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Policies (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department is currently collating information relating to Personal Security Clearance Certificates and will provide this information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Policies (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Foreign Affairs has developed an interim policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence, in line with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre. At this time, no Departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The establishment of the Naval Service is 1,094 personnel and the strength, as at 31 August 2023, was 755 personnel. Government has approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to Level of Ambition 2, as set out in the report of the Commission of the Defence Forces Report, with an overall establishment figure of 11,500. The...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Data Protection (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department can provide the following information in relation to data breaches. When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018, my Department was required under Article 33(5) to document information relating to personal data breaches. The number of data breaches in my Department in each of the past seven years and to date in 2023 are outlined in the table...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together. The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forceswas published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations in the Report and this included the immediate establishment, on a non-statutory basis initially, of the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: The table below sets out amounts spent on the commissioning of reports on matters pertaining to the Defence Forces in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023. Year Amount inclusive of Vat (as appropriate) 2018 €6,000 2019 Nil 2020 €116,958.38 2021 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (3 Oct 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in UN and UN-authorised peace operations, as the only country with an unbroken record of service in UN peacekeeping missions since 1958. Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience. In conjunction with their participation in peace support missions, the Irish Defence Forces have been involved in...