Results 6,981-7,000 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 101 and 117 together. As the Deputy is aware, the Defence Forces are currently exempted from the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive into Irish Law. I wish to assure you, however, that I am fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied,...

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: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 122 together. As the Deputy is aware, it has been a long standing policy of the Department and the Defence Forces, in line with other public sector employers, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to serving personnel, including the provision of married quarters for serving personnel. In relation to the number of vacant...

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

Micheál Martin: Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Force Medals. The awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities. In general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both...

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

Micheál Martin: I published the Strategic Framework on the Transformation of the Defence Forces on 26 September. The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. My priority...

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

Micheál Martin: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development...

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

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 111 together. The Deputy may wish to be aware that starting rates of pay in the Defence Forces compare very well to comparable rates of pay across the public service. There is also further scope for additional income for members of the Defence Forces from duty allowances for specific duties carried out on an ongoing basis and allowances for overseas...

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

Micheál Martin: The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) provides the Government and the President with an independent and flexible air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA and/or other...

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

Micheál Martin: The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government. The report of the Commission was published on 9th February 2022. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level...

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

Micheál Martin: I published the Strategic Framework on the Transformation of the Defence Forces on 26 September. The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. My priority...

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 ...