Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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92. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to outline the responsibilities and powers of the Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28231/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ms. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, is the current Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence. No formal functions of the Minister for Defence have been delegated to the Minister of State and full responsibility for Defence policies, the Department of Defence, and the Defence Forces remains with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.

However 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 all or specific stages of Defence legislation through the Oireachtas
• Taking Oral Parliamentary Questions
• Taking Private Members Business (opening or closing statements) relevant to Defence areas of responsibility
• Taking Dáil topical issues, Seanad Commencement matters relevant to Defence areas of responsibility
• Being a member of the Council of Defence pursuant to Section 11 of the Defence Act 1954