Results 761-780 of 46,014 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: A recruitment campaign for the role of Arts and Culture Coordinator in Canada is underway. The post of Arts and Culture Coordinator is part of a broader Cultural Officers Programme in priority locations worldwide. The Programme is an initiative under Global Ireland 2025 and represents a strategic approach to cultural diplomacy and soft power on a whole of Government basis. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I can confirm that officials in my Department, including the Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain, are aware of this case. I appreciate that the circumstances of this case are extremely difficult for the family and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to them. I understand that my officials have been in direct contact with the family and that they have provided advice and guidance...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: 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: Passport Services (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: 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: Passport Services (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: 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: Legislative Measures (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the 2008 Act”). Section 38 of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 ("the 2015 Act") amended section 11 of the 2008 Act to provide for the issuing of a passport in a new gender and, if applicable, in a new name. The 2015 Act comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Civil Society Europe report is a useful comparative exercise, however, it fails to adequately reflect the full extent of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ and the Permanent Representation to the EU’s commitment to transparency. There is in fact extensive detail on the PRB’s internal structures on the Department and PRB websites, including a full updated (March 2025)...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Grazing of sheep on the Curragh Plains is permitted under the Curragh of Kildare Acts of 1870, 1961 and 1969. The number of sheep farmers that graze their sheep on the Curragh varies from year to year. In 2024 the Department received applications from 29 sheep farmers, comprising of 4,412 individual sheep claims. “Claims” in this regard belong to various land owners in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of Representative Associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel). Successive Ministers for Defence engage, on an ongoing basis, with the PDF...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Climate Change Policy (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The public sector continues to demonstrate climate action leadership through strategic initiatives and governance frameworks, with public sector emissions decreasing by 2.7% in 2023 compared to 2022. The Public Sector Climate Action Plan for 2025 (CAP25) was recently published by the government, which strengthens requirements around green public procurement, building retrofitting, and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Funding (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The only relevant payment administered by my Department is a disability pension or gratuity, which can be applied for by a member of the Defence Forces on retirement. The application is subject to a medical assessment by the Army Pensions Board, and, where an applicant is found to have a disablement attributable to military service, a disability pension or gratuity may be payable under...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The below table provides details of the contracts held by my Department with Accenture: Provider Type of Service Accenture Limited External ICT Technical Support Services The contract was procured under the OGP's central Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for External ICT Technical Support Services.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Fire Service (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: In December 2024, my Department was informed that an operational decision had been taken by the military authorities to proceed with the closure of the DFTC Fire Station. As the matters raised by the Deputy are consequential to this decision and are of an operational nature, I have requested a report on same from the Chief of Staff. On receipt of same, I will advise the Deputy further.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These Regulations provide for a minimum height requirement for enlistment for both male and female candidates of 157.48cm. The determination of a minimum height...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Department of Defence employs both civil servants and civilian employees. Civilian employees are employed to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces and work in various military installations. My Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, as well as maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Information and Communications Technology (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department's core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' Shared Service. I have been advised by OGCIO that all of the IT systems they provide have been made capable of utilising the síneadh fada, as required.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: EU Directives (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: There are no EU directives that fall under the remit of the Department of Defence awaiting transposition.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I presume the Deputy is referring to buildings rented in the given time period. The information requested is in the below table: List of properties rented Length of Tenancy Total rent from 2015 to date 2025 Sligo - Use for RDF 19 years €13,000.02 Cavan - Use for RDF 13 years €211,560.00 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (29 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department has an external company contracted to provide cleaning services for its Department's buildings. The name of the company contracted is Apleona. The most recent contract signed by my department was in July 2021, which is contracted to run until July 2025. The value of the contract to date is €992,244.32. This has included normal day to day cleaning, Covid19 cleaning,...