Results 141-160 of 19,794 for in 'Written Answers' speaker:Micheál Martin

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...

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

Micheál Martin: Operation Irini is a UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean and its primary task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite and maritime assets. The mission was launched on 31 March 2020 with the aim creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya by stemming the flow of weapons into the country. Ireland currently has...

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

Micheál Martin: The Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 provided for the award of the 1916 Commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary...

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

Micheál Martin: In accordance with established project management protocol and contractual arrangements, officials from the Department of Defence and Officers from the Air Corps are in contact with Airbus on a continuing basis in relation to the progression of the Military Transport variant C-295W aircraft which is presently under development at Airbus and due to be delivered in 2025.

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

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 to 160, inclusive, together. My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. The day-to-day maintenance of Naval Service vessels is managed by the Naval...

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

Micheál Martin: Defence Force Regulations (DFR) A10 and A15 provide for the discharge and retirement of Permanent Defence Force enlisted personnel and officers respectively. The vast majority of persons discharging from the Defence Forces do so at no cost. Discharge by purchase occurs when a Non Commissioned Officer or Private elects to leave the Defence Forces and pays an appropriate sum to discharge, in...

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

Micheál Martin: The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 29 February 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, was 7,451 personnel comprised of 6,018 Army personnel, 702 Air Corps personnel, and 731 Naval Service personnel. The military authorities have advised they are in the process of confirming the number of personnel in each arm of the Reserve Defence Force and this...

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

Micheál Martin: I am advised that the requested material has recently been forwarded to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Public Sector Pensions (9 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The case of the person in question (details supplied) has been reviewed and I am advised that the position is that he was not a member of a Defence Forces Contributory Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme. The individual in question opted out of the Original Scheme in 1977 and did not opt to join the Revised Scheme in 1985 when given the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately...