Results 9,181-9,200 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: No, it is not. Able seamen start at €36,000 in the first year, rising to €37,000 in the second year and €39,000 in the third year. A graduate cadet on commission starts on €45,496 while a school leaver cadet starts at €40,000 while in full-time third level education.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: This is far in excess. This is in excess of comparable positions elsewhere.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: We will provide tables to the Deputy on the various staffing levels. There is an urgency attached to this and we are moving on all fronts with regard to recruitment and retention. All morning I have heard no solution or any concrete recommendation from anybody over and above what is already being done.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: We have clear commitments-----

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: -----and changes. There has been significant movement on the pay front. Deputy Clarke dismissed this but that is her wont coming from the Opposition perspective.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: We have to do more and we will do more to improve terms and conditions. This will improve the implementation of the working time directive.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: There are broader issues and challenges in terms of the modern economy and people being incentivised out of our services by other industries. This is a significant challenge for us given the full employment nature of the economy we have in this country. This is a further factor in what is taking place.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces infrastructure development plan sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The plan is iterative in nature, thus ensuring it remains relevant and investment is targeted where most needed. A mid-term review of the plan was recently completed by the Department and the Defence Forces...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I wish to state at the outset that I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake duties in a safe environment, underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse. That is an absolute priority. Last year, in my role as Taoiseach, I met with both...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: When I referenced "later this week", I should have stated that the judge chairing the review group has asked to present the report to me later today. I will receive the report. There has been no delay on my side. Once an independent review group has been appointed, we have to allow the judge to conduct the report without engagement or interference from the political side.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I will then refer the report to the Attorney General, which is the normal procedure following publication. I intend to bring the report to the Government. I will obviously come back to the House in respect of it and will consult with various stakeholder groups, in addition to those who are clearly involved. It is a report that is of importance to every serving member of the Defence Forces...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The important point is that on receipt of the report, I will make a comprehensive statement, when I come to the House following the bringing of the report to the Government, which will deal with a comprehensive range of issues, some of which the Deputy referenced. I have very clear views on those issues and in respect of the full set of recommendations that will come from the report itself....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 13 and 22 together. We had that meeting yesterday. I met with the military command and senior officials in my Department in respect of recruitment and retention. The question before me refers specifically to attracting females to enlist in the Defence Forces and to feel fully respected. In terms of recruitment strategies generally, as I have already...

Seanad: Address by H.E. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: Cuirim céad míle fáilte chuig an gcomhshuí speisialta seo de Dháil Éireann agus Sheanad Éireann roimh an Uachtarán Metsola. Is pribhléid agus onóir mhór dúinn go bhfuil sí anseo linn ag ceiliúradh 50 bliain de bhallraíocht na hÉireann san Aontas Eorpach ón uair a chaith pobal na tíre seo vóta sa...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The issue is finding solutions. No one is in any doubt about the challenges facing the Defence Forces, the loss of personnel or the fact that we are not recruiting sufficient personnel to offset the numbers who are leaving. That involves both a recruitment and a retention strategy. In the context of the high-level action group it involves implementation of the 38 early actions to be...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: All of these measures have taken place but more is needed. It is not just about those specific issues; there is a broader issue at play.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Government decision is as it is; it is as has been taken. My task is to move forward quickly to implement the recommendations. Of the 38 early actions to be completed within six months, about two thirds have been achieved to date. That includes the head of transformation and the head of strategic HR positions being advertised externally and progressed. It also includes implementation...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Military Neutrality (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy knows, the triple lock mechanism, which sets out the requirements for the deployment of the Defence Forces for peacekeeping operations, is set down in legislation. The legislation provides that the operation must be mandated by the United Nations, approved by the Government and approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann. Any modification to the triple lock...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Military Neutrality (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has asked the question and I have given him my views. This is a debate and maybe it is the catalyst for the commencement of a debate. We will shortly commence work on a strategic defence review and this is a serious issue that we need to consider. Peacekeeping is a noble Irish tradition. It has been a hallmark of the execution of our foreign policy and has brought great honour...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Military Neutrality (2 Feb 2023)

Micheál Martin: No. That is not in the programme for Government.