Mr. Peter Burke, TD, is the current Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence. 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; and
Being a member of the Council of Defence pursuant to Section 11 of the Defence Act 1954.