Results 461-480 of 1,022,275 for in 'Dáil debates' OR (speaker:Damien English OR speaker:Mary Butler) in 'Committee meetings'

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: We have indicated that the tribunal will be located in Smithfield. There were issues to discuss regarding legal representation, costs and so on. That is all sorted. I anticipate the commencement order being signed within the next fortnight. My officials will bring the commencement order for me to sign. It is normally the case that, once we appoint a chairperson, that chairperson...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: The Tánaiste has gone back a little bit. What happened here, the length of time and the whole lot, was simply unacceptable. It took a documentary to spur the Government into action but that is now history. At this point, have the administrative staff been appointed? Is a full team now in place? When will the statutory instrument be signed? Will it be signed today or tomorrow? Are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: As I said in my previous reply, I expect to sign that commencement order within a fortnight, if not sooner. A tribunal has to do a lot of preparatory work before hearings are announced. That is normal and allows for people to make submissions and so forth. I do not anticipate any difference from the legal representation parties have had in previous tribunals of inquiry. A lot of progress...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Brendan Griffin: 5. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will further review the pandemic recognition payment for Defence Forces personnel who worked in test centres to make sure all deserving individuals received the payment, given that some did not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Brendan Griffin: This question relates to Defence Forces personnel who worked in Covid testing and vaccination centres during the pandemic. Many of these people worked in these centres for 12 to 16 months and provided a very valuable resource but they have not been considered for the pandemic recognition payment. This is wrong. Can the matter be reviewed? Some specific personnel did great work but did not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As he will know, in January 2022, the Government announced a Covid-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative, having received the consent of the Department of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Brendan Griffin: Perhaps, on foot of this question, the Tánaiste might initiate a review. My understanding is that all members were initially on lists created by their units but that those lists were not fully accepted at a higher level. Apparently, the criteria specified that only those military personnel who were physically administering vaccines or taking swabs would ultimately receive the payment....

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: On the numbers, there were 1,094 personnel in 2019. That is now down to 722. A determination has not been made yet on how many more are required to reach llevel of ambition 2. I assume that figure will be made available fairly soon. Irish waters make up 12% of all EU waters and 75% of subsea cables in the northern hemisphere pass through or near Irish waters. To monitor, surveil and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy made a number of points. There is no lack of capital investment in our navy either in Haulbowline, which has undergone significant infrastructural investment and will have more, or for the purchase of ships and so on. In respect of enhanced patrolling of the Irish Sea and surveillance, monitoring subsea cables in our exclusive economic zone is very important. We have seen what...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: I have no doubt that huge extra moves will need to be made in ensuring that we get through what is obviously a recruitment and, particularly, a retention issue regarding the Defence Forces in general. The issue many of us have is what matters and is seen to qualify as a priority by the Government. It seems removing the triple lock is one. Officials are to proceed without delay in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: We have the funding. The issue is converting applications into recruitment and then retaining people longer in our service. The policy decision I pushed very strongly for, and secured, was the raising of the retirement age to 60, which is quite a dramatic and significant change. We will even increase it to 62 when the legislation goes through the House. That is important for retention. ...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions (16 May 2024)

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Tribunals of Inquiry

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: 4. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeline for when the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces will be fully up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22038/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: 21. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 21 March 2024, the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the details of how people can make submissions to the tribunal; what legal supports will be available to people who make submissions; and if he will make a statement on...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: My question specifically relates to the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process of the Defence Forces. When will it sit to hear, bearing in mind that in September it will be three years since the Katie Hannon show featuring the Women of Honour, who showed courage. It is more than two years since the independent review. We are into our fourth month since...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tribunals of Inquiry (16 May 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 21 together. The Government recently approved the terms of reference for a tribunal of inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. The tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Cathal Berry: 2. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to outline the additional allowances payable to Defence Forces Irish contingent personnel participating in the EU battle group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/24]