Results 21-40 of 29,293 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: 136. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it is intended to base the two new inshore patrol vessels acquired for the Naval Service at an east coast port; if so, if a particular port has been selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23334/24]

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: The electoral aspect. The word "political" involves a big agenda; that is the issue.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Very spancelled association.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: It also states "or otherwise making himself or herself identifiable as a member of the Permanent Defence Force".

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Controversy.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I do not think so.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Deputy Stanton asked a question about permission of one's commanding officer being a get-out-of-jail card.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: It is not in law.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Is it a statutory instrument?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Are they statutory instruments, however?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I think Deputy Carthy is right. There is not a fundamental principle difference at all between us; rather, the difference relates to how it is to be implemented. I do not think that is a small matter because, as has been referenced, the biggest issue we have relates to recruiting and retaining members, and we should not be perceived in any way as being restrictive. It runs counter to the...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Is that in these terms, in primary legislation?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: If I may finish the point, we have evolved to allow ever greater freedom. There was a total ban on anybody in a public service job being involved in politics, and that has evolved to apply to a certain rank. I am not suggesting we allow any political involvement among our Defence Forces, but we have to meet the principles that were agreed on in as unrestrictive a way as possible. That is...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Absolutely.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I did not say that; I am saying that what applies in the public service is not as restrictive as what the Tánaiste suggests. That is my judgment on it.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: We are not talking about-----

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: -----Secretaries General; we are talking about enlisted men.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Let us not-----