Results 8,141-8,160 of 12,596 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Written Answers — Defence Forces Training: Defence Forces Training (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together. The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. I am advised by the military authorities that on 30 September 2009, the most recent date for which figures are available, the...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together. The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of...

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The total to date in 2009 is 387.25 hours.

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: No, that was the total for everything.

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Am I answering a question or is this an exchange across the floor?

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The total to date in 2009 is 387.25 hours. I will issue a tabular statement to the Deputy that includes all years from 2002. We had only a few days to put the information together but he will get it all. I have answered dozens of questions and freedom of information requests on this and all the information the Deputy is seeking is already in the public domain. We will, however, make it...

Overseas Missions. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Despite the current difficult economic circumstances, the Government continues to support and commit resources and personnel, wherever it can, to support peace, security and development in troublespots throughout the world. Following Ireland's participation in the EU-led mission to Chad, the mandate of which expired on 14 March 2009, Ireland's initial commitment to the follow-on United...

Overseas Missions. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I agree this has been a successful mission. There were initial doubts due to the logistical difficulties, the absence of air access and difficult terrain. General Nash and his people overcame those difficulties and the mission has been an outstanding success. Foreign missions are indeed the lifeblood of a peace-keeping defence force, which is what our Defence Forces are. I take the point...

Overseas Missions. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: If after the budgetary process the mission continues beyond 14 March 2010, and even in the interim, I will ensure that matter is attended to.

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to answer Questions Nos. 6 and 23 together. I am advised by the military authorities that the number of officers of the Permanent Defence Force to retire in the period 1 January to 30 September 2009 before reaching the mandatory retirement age for their rank was 25. A further 23 retired on age grounds. In the case of enlisted personnel, the number discharged prior to reaching the...

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Through the implementation of the White Paper since 2000, we have seen significant changes in the Army, in terms of the quality of personnel, equipment and training. My advice is that the organisation is now in a very healthy state in terms of personnel and equipment. It is true that the McCarthy report proposes that we reduce the size of the Permanent Defence Force from 10,500 to 10,000...

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Which proposals on defence from the McCarthy report does Deputy Deenihan actually support?

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I am waiting to find that out. Maybe we will find out before 4.45 p.m. As I have acknowledged to the House, the moratorium-----

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I am not in the least bit rattled. The Deputy flatters himself.

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I have already acknowledged that the moratorium is having a particular impact on the Army, because of its large turnover of people. We are now down to 10,081, whereas we should have 10,500. We are being affected by the moratorium more than any other public service organisation. I have made that case very strongly to the Minister for Finance and I appreciate Deputy Deenihan's support. I am...

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: That remains to be decided. We have quite a few concessions so far, but the recruitment, the acting up and the limited number of promotions are all absolutely vital. We will have decisions on that very shortly. The budgetary process is only beginning today with regard to Cabinet meetings. The conditions of the Army have improved out of all proportion in the last ten years due to investment...

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I do not have the figures in the body of the answer for the breakdown from the Army, Naval Service and the Air Corps, but I think the Deputy will find it in the tabular statement. If it is not there, he can get back to me and I will obtain the figures for him. I do not know the details of the time pattern of retirement either, but I will get the information for him in so far as I can do so....

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Deputy O'Shea will know the exact position in December when the budget is delivered by the Minister for Finance.

Defence Forces Strength. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I am optimistic by nature. I will also get the Deputy some up to date information on the Air Corps.