Results 9,061-9,080 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Is that to buy them back?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I appreciate the positive comments the Deputy made in respect of some elements of the Estimates. He is correct that, in December 2022, a contract was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space for the provision of a new fixed-wing military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295 is highly versatile, as the Deputy said. It will be a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: It seems that way but sometimes when we make a post permanent, it is difficult to recruit for it. Some people prefer working for agencies. I will look at the issue. The Deputy knows more than I do, given his experience with the medical board of our Defence Forces.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: That is correct. I met advanced nursing practitioners and paramedics in Lebanon recently who were thrilled with their roles in the Defence Forces. I will look at it to see what the best model is to ensure we attract and recruit people into those roles in a sustainable way. The Naval Service patrol duty allowance is one of the issues we are discussing with the Department of Public...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I thought the Deputy was suggesting that would happen. I am not requesting it. I would prefer it to be done in the context of the Bill if it is imminent.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy on that question. It is an issue we need to resolve.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Where are they being paused?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Which apprenticeships are being paused or is it all of them?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: That would certainly not be as a result of the battle group.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I have not been made aware of that.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Yes. I will come back to the Deputy.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: What is the pause?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy on that. Does it relate to post 1994? My officials are not aware of any pause. There was an extension to 2024.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Cathaoirleach for his kind comments and welcome. I welcome this opportunity to engage with the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to consider the 2023 Revised Estimates for the defence Vote group. I have a short opening statement that sets out the overall position and updates members on some recent developments within the defence sector. The report of the...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Army continues to review its security operations. One would like to think the Army knows a thing or two about security.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The campaign was launched in March of last year and 1,000 applications were received. Ninety additional new members were inducted in 2022, all of whom were inducted into the Army Reserve. The Defence Forces are responsible for ongoing recruitment to the RDF. I will meet the Chief of Staff and military management shortly in respect of this matter, and we will just have to move. They are...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: No. That is a holding situation, which we obviously want to expand and confirm permanently. I want to do more. That is a matter for discussions between me and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: There was an extension in service limits for privates and corporals who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994 to remain in service until up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria, including medical fitness. That agreement was done. In October 2022, the Minister for Defence secured an interim arrangement from the then Minister for Public...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: In December 2021, the then Minister for Defence secured agreement with the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform allowing for an extension in service limits for privates and corporals who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994 to remain in service up to 50 years of age. Sergeants recruited after 1994 then got an extension up to 2024.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised) (14 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Not as of now.