Results 341-360 of 19,738 for in 'Written Answers' speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (28 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. A Working Group reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Contracts (28 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together. The Defence Forces currently operate the Aeronautics Defence Orbiter UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system which is an unarmed platform used to conduct reconnaissance operations, i.e. non-lethal operations. Following a competitive tender process, 4 Orbiter UAV Systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defense Systems...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 57 and 59 together. On 14 February, officials from my Department met with visiting representatives of the Polisario Front to discuss the ongoing political situation in Western Sahara. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss a variety of issues including the return to armed conflict in the region, engagement with the United Nations Mission for the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly or land in the state is subject to strict conditions, under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952. This includes stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the FBR applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport office requested further supporting documents for one of the applicants on 23 January 2024. Further documents were subsequently received on 09 February 2024 and are currently being processed. As all 3 applications are linked, they cannot proceed to approval until all required supporting documents have been...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I refer the Deputy to the reply to PQ896/24. The situation remains as outlined in that PQ.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I was pleased to announce last week new Government funding commitments of over €800 million for projects which will have a major impact across the island. This is the largest ever package of Government funding for cross-border investments, and is in addition to the near €250 million already allocated from the Shared Island Fund for more than 15 major projects and programmes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: In 2023 the Passport Service received 11,272 applications from applicants aged 80 years or older. Of these, 10,062 were online applications and 1,210 were Post Passport paper applications, with an approximate total revenue of €851,000. Based on 2023 figures, a reduction in fees would lead to a reduction in revenue of approximately €175,000. Passport fees were last updated in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: On 17 January 2024 the Government initiated an inter-state case against the Government of the United Kingdom, under Article 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In its application to the Court the Government has sought a declaration that the relevant provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the United...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: On 17 January 2024 the Government initiated an inter-state case against the Government of the United Kingdom, under Article 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Government’s application, like all documents deposited by the parties with the Registry of the Court, is accessible to the public in accordance with arrangements determined by the Registrar, unless the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this case. First, and foremost, my thoughts are naturally with the family concerned. This is an extremely tragic case and I commend the family for their resilience and determination in seeking justice. I appreciate that this has not been an easy period for them and understand their frustration with the ongoing delays. I want to assure the Deputy that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Data Centres (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department uses a number of data centres. As the Deputy will appreciate, for national security reasons it would not be appropriate to disclose details. There are no agencies under my Department's aegis.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: The information sought by the Deputy is as follows. Year Projects Total Funding (Capital and Design Team Costs) €m County 2024 Printing press relocation, McKee Barracks - completion April 2024 €2.3 Dublin 2024 Refurbishment of Chief of Staff House, McKee Barracks -...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Under General Finance Sanction S.55/3/55, the Department of Defence can dispose of property directly to Local Authorities for the purposes of house building, road widening or the provision of public amenities. There is no provision that allows the Department to liaise with Community Groups directly regarding the sale of a property. Outside of this General Sanction, the Department is obliged...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (27 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: In January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment (PRP) 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, with the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as it was then. The payment is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service initially requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 8 February 2024. The turnaround time for Post Passport applications is 8 weeks. Supporting documents were received from the applicant on 14 February 2024. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Child Abduction (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance. I appreciate that the circumstances of this case are very difficult for all concerned. I have engaged directly with my counterpart in the jurisdiction in question on this matter and I subsequently met...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. If a person or their parent was born on the island of Ireland before 1 January 2005, they are an Irish citizen and they can apply for an Irish passport without making an application for...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (22 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: Each year, the Air Corps receives a number of invitations and requests to participate at Airshows at home and abroad. All requests for Air Corps participation in overseas exhibitions are subject to operational commitments being met . I understand that in general Air Corps' participation in overseas shows is limited to static displays only. In relation to emissions, the Defence Forces, as...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (21 Feb 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together. In the past, I have received correspondence related to this case, as have officials in my Department. I understand that members of the Oireachtas have also received details of this case. The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. In particular, the protection of human rights defenders is a key...