Results 7,941-7,960 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Medals (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961. "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville on 3rd September 1961. On the 9th September, a large force of Katangese Gendarmerie surrounded them and early on the morning of the 13th September "A" Company came under attack....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 28 together. A review of technical pay was provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Agreement). The Agreement provided for a review to be undertaken of the current grading of appointments and/or classes of appointments for enlisted personnel, including consideration of whether current requirements merit tech pay, are at...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Review (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 23, 24, 37 and 53 together. Establishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces is an important commitment made in the recently agreed Programme for Government. The Commission will be tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review which will include the following matters: -Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Representative Organisations (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 31, 33 and 51 together. Under the Defence Acts, 1954-2015, the Permanent Defence Force representative associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated with any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister. To compensate for these limitations there are a range of statutory redress mechanisms available to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Reserve (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Government recognises the important role that the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) plays in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence sets out a blueprint for the development of the RDF and that their primary role is to support the Permanent Defence Force in crisis situations. The RDF is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Aircraft (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by military management that a formal investigation into the incident is on-going. I understand that this investigation is examining the technical and operational aspects of the incident and will make appropriate recommendations. Given the nature of the incident, the investigation is being led by the Air Corps Flight Safety Officer in accordance with Air Regulations Manual...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government at that time and, to facilitate implementation, an extensive High Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces – Phase One” was also agreed and published on the same date. ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 56 together. The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government at that time and, to facilitate implementation, an extensive High Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces – Phase...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: European Defence Action Plan (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The European Defence Fund is a financial mechanism designed to enable and accelerate cooperation among Member States to better coordinate, supplement and amplify national investments in defence. Through the co-funded European Defence Fund, Member States will be able to achieve greater output and develop defence technology and equipment that may not be feasible on their own. The Fund will...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cybersecurity Policy (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Cyber security is an issue with very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic well-being and for the security and safety of citizens. It is a standing item on the agenda of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning which I Chair. This Task Force last met on 9 September and included a very useful briefing and discussion on cyber security. ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Equipment (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The primary focus for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Irish Defence Forces to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. This includes undertaking overseas Peace Support Operations, and in this regard to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions. The principle of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Army Barracks (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan 2020-2025provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a five year timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces. There are currently over €68m worth of projects underway at different stages of development. This level of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Operations (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. The resources available to the Defence Forces to carry out their operational commitments are kept under constant review and future equipment...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter to be decided by medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are matters for highly qualified medical officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. There are three anti-malarial drugs, namely Lariam, Malarone and Doxycycline which are used by the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Strength (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks. The Defence Forces continue to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including security operations, critical supports to An Garda Síochána and ATCA supports to other Government departments and agencies....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Remuneration (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Similar to other sectors in the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures to assist in stabilising national finances during the financial crisis. Improvements within the economy have provided an opportunity for the unwinding of the FEMPI legislation which imposed pay cuts across the Public Service. Pay is being restored to members of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Medals (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Government deeply appreciates and values the contribution of the many members of the Defence Forces who served along the border during the period we have all come to know as the ‘Troubles’. I have no doubt that my predecessors in various Governments over the years share that appreciation and depth of gratitude. There are currently two medals that mark the service of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Strength (8 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks. The Defence Forces continue to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including security operations, critical supports to An Garda Síochána and ATCA supports to other Government Departments and Agencies....