Results 6,961-6,980 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach participated in the 25 – 26 February video conference meeting, along with the other members of the European Council. On 26 February, there was an exchange of views on EU-NATO relations with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. The basis and scope of EU-NATO cooperation is set out in the 2016 Warsaw Declaration and the 2018 Brussels Declaration. It takes place in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together. The Passport Service has paused the processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas. The Passport Service continue to provide an emergency and urgent...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368 and 374 together. The Passport Service has paused the processing of Foreign Births Registration (FBR) applications as Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas. Passport Service staff must be on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: My thoughts, and the thoughts of the Government, are with the family and friends of Noah Donohoe at this extremely distressing time, and as they contend with such a profound personal loss. The case of Noah’s death is a matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and an investigation is underway. There has been a renewed appeal for witnesses, and we would encourage anyone who...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service has paused processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas. While Passport Online is an online application service it does require staff to attend the office to process the required...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: National Broadband Plan (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I have had no engagement with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision during the past six months.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Vaccination Programme (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 383 and 386 to 389, inclusive, together. The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Public Procurement Contracts (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: In 2018, total Non-Pay Capital and Current Expenditure in my Department was some €230m and I am advised that no non-compliant contracts in excess of €25,000, were reported in that year. In 2019, total Non-Pay Capital and Current Expenditure in my Department was some €260m. I am advised that in 2019, my Department complied with the guidelines for all purchases with the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: Neither I, nor my officials, have had any meetings, correspondence, or engagements with the group referred to by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Gender Equality (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. As part of a broader consultation...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: It is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve. As of 31 January 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 8,583 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 601 personnel or 7% were female,...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by the Military Authorities that there are a number of facilities available to serving Defence Forces personnel in terms of work life supports. First and foremost Defence Forces members are entitled to maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, parents leave and term time in line with national legislation. In addition a range of ‘harmony’ measures have...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The military authorities advise that, as of 31st January 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength (whole time equivalent) of the Naval Service was 903 personnel. This is comprised of 165 Officers and 738 enlisted personnel.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the context in which the relevant statements were made and, in addition, I believe the endorsement of the principles of academic freedom. I do not consider it necessary to comment further in my role as Minister for Defence.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: White Paper on Defence (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within overall security policy. Since publication of the White Paper, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Project and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: White Paper on Defence (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capabilities. The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon, to 2025. While the majority of projects arising from the White Paper are primarily focused on the Permanent Defence Force, there were 13 White Paper projects relating to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Reviews (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: Action 20 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, which is overseen by the Civil Service Management Board, provides for a programme of organisational reviews to embed a culture of regular and objective assessments of the capacity and capability of each Department to achieve its objectives, and take the necessary action to close any gaps. Preparatory work is at an advanced stage for an...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: National Broadband Plan (3 Mar 2021)

Simon Coveney: I can confirm that neither I, nor officials of my Department, have engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (25 Feb 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service has paused processing of routine applications while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport Service staff have been temporarily reassigned to provide consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas. The Passport Service continues to provide an emergency passport service for Irish citizens at home and abroad. The service is...