Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 23 July 2024, the reason the decision was taken to bring the Minister of State with responsibility for EU affairs under the Department of Defence, by whom and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D. is the Minister of State in the Department of Defence. She is also Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European Affairs. She was appointed by the Taoiseach to these separate roles on 9th April 2024. The role of the Minister for EU Affairs does not come under the Department of 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 in the Department of Defence 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; and
• Being a member of the Council of Defence pursuant to Section 11 of the Defence Act 1954.
