Results 261-280 of 45,809 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”. Following the most recent European Council meeting in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship. FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together. I met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland last month to raise my grave concerns about the ongoing conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a dramatic increase in humanitarian access. I emphasised that an Israeli...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: While this application has been cancelled, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly to offer assistance with this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: As of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces personnel who currently have a mandatory retirement age of less than 60, may remain in service until 60 subject to fulfilling certain existing criteria, for example physical and medical fitness. As announced on 5 March 2024, in tandem with the changes made to the mandatory retirement age, a new fast accrual pensions' policy framework has...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: As of 5 April 2024, Ireland is contributing 419 personnel to 8 different missions throughout the world` and reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. The main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 345 personnel....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Official Travel (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can confirm that here has been no travel or accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024 in my capacity as Minister for Defence.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The information sought by the Deputy could not be collated in the time frame and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Middle East (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Research, Technology and Innovation Unit (RTI) within my Department carries out the role of Horizon Scanning. This includes consultation with Industry and Academia to maintain the capabilities of the Defence Forces to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. This includes undertaking overseas Peace Support Operations. RTI carries out its horizon scanning role in accordance with...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) was established in 2021 with a mission “to ensure Ireland develops appropriate, leading edge and trusted defence and security capabilities in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, in order to protect our society, create jobs, drive research and enhance Ireland’s economic growth”. National Defence Industry...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The former Naval Service flagship vessel LÉ Eithne was decommissioned in 2022. A number of organisations, including Dublin Port and the local authorities in Cork and Limerick, indicated their interest in taking LÉ Eithne as a museum piece / tourist attraction following her decommissioning. The Department of Defence engaged extensively with these interested parties but following, in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can advise that the Military authorities submitted on 27 February 2024 a recommendation on the future of the Fire Service in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp. My officials are considering same and have written to the Chief of Staff seeking further details as to the basis of their findings and have indicated that upon receipt of same it will also be necessary to establish...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am informed that foreign language learning is available and prioritised in the Defence Forces across all ranks and disciplines. This training is governed by the Foreign Language Training Policy, which states that the Defence Forces is committed to training personnel in modern foreign languages, under the following three pillars: Taught Group Foreign Language Training Courses: Conducted by...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: As of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces personnel who currently have a mandatory retirement age of less than 60, may remain in service until 60 subject to fulfilling certain existing criteria, for example physical and medical fitness. This strategic move will have a two-fold effect. For the organisation, it will help to address, in part, the issue of retention by allowing...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published, following Government approval, on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the 13 recommendations contained in the Report. One of the first actions taken in this regard following publication of the report was the establishment of an External...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces do not recruit children and the minimum age of recruitment, for both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force, is set at 18 years. In line with many other potential employers, the Defence Forces do demonstrate the opportunities and skills a career in the Defence Forces offers to future school leavers. This is achieved by providing schools with relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: All Defence Forces personnel deploying overseas are required to have received the primary schedule of COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the Defence Forces have confirmed that the booster vaccinations are no longer mandatory for personnel who are under 50 years of age and who are not immunocompromised and who do not have a medical condition that puts them at a higher risk of severe Covid-19...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The introduction into service of an aircraft is a multi-phased process that comprises a number of steps before its full completion. The Airbus C295 Marine Patrol Aircraft (MPA) fleet of two aircraft is currently at Initial Operating Capability (IOC) Level 1 for Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO) in the Irish EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), with both aircraft presently...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The information sought has been requested from the Air Corps and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Legislative Process (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The so-called Triple Lock mechanism sets out the conditions for the deployment of Defence Forces' personnel for peacekeeping operations overseas. These include that the operation must be mandated by the UN, (either by the Security Council or General Assembly), approved by the Government and it must be approved by way of resolution of Dáil Éireann, where the size of the Defence...