Results 701-720 of 46,387 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: In response to the recent deeply shocking media reports alleging the training of members of the Libyan National Army by an Irish-based company and the possibility that such activity is in breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, I have taken a number of immediate actions, as follows I have spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: In response to the alleged activities of former members of the Defence Forces in the provision of training to members of the Libyan National Army, activities that may be in breaches of UN and EU sanctions, I have taken a number of immediate actions. Among those actions, I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: National Security (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 2023 builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High Level Action Plan in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Budgets (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The 2024 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) provides an allocation of €933 million for the Defence Vote, an allocation which maintains Defence capital funding at its highest ever level of €176 million. The principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing acquisition and renewal of military equipment, along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is a key feature of the recently published Strategic...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am advised that the fee for hiring the Defence Forces School of Music (DFSM) stands at €700 plus VAT, this fee was increased in 2020. The Deputy may wish to note where the organisation hiring the DFSM is charging a fee to the event, the event organiser is also required to meet the costs of transporting the DF personnel to and from the event, to ensure that there is no cost to the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Expenditure (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am advised that no military equipment was purchased from companies based in Japan in 2023 and Quarter 1 2024.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: National Risk Assessment (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: As Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I published the National Risk Assessment for Ireland, 2023 on 28 March 2024. It identifies 22 key risks with Antimicrobial Resistant Infection, Pandemic, Cyber Attack and Disruption to Critical Supply Chain rated as our highest probability and highest impact risks. Risks appearing for the first time include: Disruption to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ministerial Responsibilities (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Minister of State assists and performs functions, including Oireachtas business, as assigned by me as Minister for Defence on my behalf. Responsibilities of the Minister of State include the following; Deputising for the Minister on Defence matters Taking Defence legislation through the Oireachtas when necessary Taking Oral Parliamentary Questions Taking Private Members Business...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The strength of the PDF, as at 29 February 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, stood at 7,451 personnel. Induction numbers fluctuate from year to year. Budget 2024 allocated €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector, which included a provision for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024. As part of strategies to achieve this, a Joint...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The military authorities have provided the following two tables: Table A details the number of retirements/discharges, by Branch and by year, from 2019 to 2024, as at 29 February 2024 Table A Year Army Air Corps Naval Service Total 2019 655 88 139 882 2020 491 48 ...

Anniversary of the Introduction of the Smoking Ban: Statements (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: Táim sásta a bheith anseo inniu chun tús a chur leis na hóráidí seo a bhaineann leis an gcosc a chuireadh le tobac 20 bliain ó shin. I am very pleased to be here to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the prohibition on smoking in the workplace, one of the most significant and memorable days in my own public life. For the past two decades, since 29 March...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Kerrane raised the issue of 18 children with no school places for special classes. I will talk to the Minister for Education about that. Much progress has been made in the last three years. Seven new special schools have been established and there has been a massive expansion of SNAs and special education teachers. The basic principle is that children who need a place should be...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: The idea of the only hotel being used is something the Government acknowledges we do not want to do.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I am saying that alternative development has to happen.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have no doubt that will also be opposed. I have no doubt about that. I am realistic about it. For any party in this House that aspires to be in government-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: -----this will be an ongoing issue.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: It is not that simple.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I appreciate the Deputy's commitment to the protection of our habitats, flora and fauna. I am not in a position to bring clarity to an exact timeline for new guidelines on wind farms. I acknowledge it has been an issue for quite some time. I will revert to the Minister about the specific issues the Deputy raised about the guidelines.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 Apr 2024)

Micheál Martin: I love the way Kerry people always endeavour to look after the best interests of Cork.