Results 10,341-10,360 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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

Micheál Martin: Am I on the wrong one?

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

Micheál Martin: Which one are we on?

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

Micheál Martin: I apologise. I thought we had moved on to No. 7 but it was not taken. In any event, as I said, yesterday we had a meeting on recruitment and retention. Particularly with regard to the Naval Service we clearly have to stand back. We have taken measures. Pay and conditions were identified as issues over the past two to three years. There has been a lot of movement on the pay front. We...

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

Micheál Martin: I said that earlier.

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

Micheál Martin: We are focused on it now.

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

Micheál Martin: What Deputy Clarke read out is what I gave in response to an earlier question from Deputy Howlin with regard to the LÉ Róisínand the LÉ Niamh. We have to continue to invest in the Naval Service.

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

Micheál Martin: Deciding not to purchase ships-----

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

Micheál Martin: There is no point in saying we want to expand, develop and modernise the Naval Service, and then criticise the fact that we are purchasing two more ships particularly for inshore patrolling.

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

Micheál Martin: It is part of the wider multifaceted approach that has to be taken to modernise our Naval Service and it impacts on recruitment and retention. We have moved on the pay rates, including military service allowances for the ranks of private three-star-----

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...