Results 1,921-1,940 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: As part of the whole of Government response to provide assistance to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, I can confirm that my Department has identified the former Mullingar Barracks as a site which could be used to accommodate such persons. It is primarily a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to satisfy itself that the premises are adequate...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am advised that the property referred to by the Deputy is no longer in the ownership of my Department and as such my Department has no role in this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 476 together. The current legislation pertaining to protected disclosures was enacted in 2014 and hence the detail relating to protected disclosures provided herein commences from that time. The purpose of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (the Act) is to provide a mechanism whereby workers can provide information in confidence to employers relating...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I would like confirm to the Deputy that the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations on anti-discrimination law arising from a decision in December 2020 are currently being implemented by the Military Authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes, materials and associated documents for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The management of claims against the Minister for Defence in relation to personal injuries alleged to have occurred within Ireland has been delegated to the State Claims Agency (SCA) since 2001. The management of claims in respect of personal injuries alleged to have occurred overseas, claims of post-traumatic stress disorder, bullying and other harassment cases have been delegated to the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together. As the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces can carry out their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality. The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established last January by me, following Government approval, is examining the systems, policies and procedures...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ukraine War (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has been represented at three in-person meetings of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group following receipt of an invitation to join. Two of those meetings took place in NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium and the other at the Ramstein Air Base, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together. The table below sets out current and former military barracks owned or administered by the Department of Defence. Property Location Area (Hectares)* Current / Former Knockalisheen Camp Clare 51.24 Former Collins Barracks Cork 24.22 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I can assure the Deputy that I have ongoing engagement with civil and military management on all matters affecting the Defence Forces, including staffing matters. The military authorities have advised that, as at 30 September 2022, 243 Defence Force personnel had discharged by purchase. The Government has previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Permanent Defence Force was not included in the review in relation to the retirement ages of Public Servants by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform carried out in 2017. It was agreed then with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that the retirement age for members of the uniformed fast accrual group, which included members of the Permanent Defence Force along with...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established by me on 25 January last, following Government approval, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputy that the process I have undertaken for appointing the members of the Group has been entirely...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: On 27 October, I travelled to Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45) to meet with and preside at the medal parade for members of the 120th Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, who are currently deployed in UNIFIL alongside members of the Polish, Hungarian and Maltese Armed Forces, which make up the multinational IrishPolBatt contingent in UNIFIL. I delivered an address to the troops in which I...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I understand that the question relates to remarks included in a recent media article, following a recent information and networking event at the Aviva Stadium hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces. That event provided opportunities for Irish Industry and research institutions interested in collaborating on security, defence and dual use technology projects. While I have spoken...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ukraine War (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: On 17 October, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a Council Decision establishing and launching an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The Mission will provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. The mission has been developed within the framework of the EU’s Common Security...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Foreign Policy (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s relations with NATO are set within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), including its Planning and Review Process (PARP). Ireland joined EAPC and Partnership for Peace (PfP) on 1 December 1999. The primary aim of Ireland's PfP participation is to enhance the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Foreign Policy (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: On 17 October, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a Council Decision establishing and launching an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The Mission will provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. The mission has been developed within the framework of the EU’s Common Security...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: In supporting the national effort in countering COVID-19, the Defence Forces provided a range of non-clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities at the request of the HSE. All requests for assistance from the HSE were managed centrally by HSE Head Office who liaised directly with the Defence Forces Joint Task Force established to coordinate the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together. The Military Authorities have confirmed to me that there are 15 such premises, at various locations throughout the State, that are used for weekly training by the Reserve Defence Forces. The premises have a permanent staffing cohort, maintaining normal working hours of 0900hrs to 1630hrs, Monday to Friday. In addition, these...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Under the Framework for Major Emergency Management the Defence Forces can be tasked in aid of Civil Power to provide operational support in a response to a national chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incident in order to mark, cordon, monitor, measure, decontaminate, retrieve and dispose of any CBRN devices and matter so found. Additionally, the Defence Forces in the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am informed by the military that the current number of vacancies for each of the requested positions are as follows: Position Vacancies Remarks Dentist Four A recruitment process for Defence Forces Direct Entry Dental Officers is ongoing. Doctor 5 Medical Officer positions are advertised and processed...