Results 8,281-8,300 of 12,701 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Naval Service Vessels. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The following are the ages of the eight ships in the current flotilla: LE Emer, 31 years; LE Aoife, 30 years; LE Aisling, 29 years; LE Eithne, 25 years; LE Ciara, 25 years; LE Orla, 24 years; LE Róisín, ten years; and LE Niamh, eight years. Naval vessels have a minimal lifespan of approximately 30 years. Accordingly, three ships are due for replacement now and over the next few years - LE...

Naval Service Vessels. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: On Deputy Deenihan's first question, I recall that interview which took place at Haulbowline naval base. A number of members of the media to whom I spoke on that occasion asked what was the position on the ship replacement programme and I told them I was seeking funding from the Government to replace, over a period of time, three ships that are nearing the end of their useful lifespans....

Naval Service Vessels. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: On the Deputy's first question, I am obviously concerned with health and safety and I am assured by the Naval Service that it has done the appropriate repairs to the LE Emer. I am further assured by the Naval Service that it will not send a ship to sea unless it is satisfied beyond any shadow of doubt that the ship is seaworthy and safe. However, as I stated, problems are developing in the...

Defence Forces Review. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Priority Questions Nos. 2 and 5 together. The PA report is an important milestone in addressing the challenges to the provision of medical services in the Defence Forces. Implementation will take time and commitment. This is being achieved in consultation with the representative associations. On receipt of the report in June this year, I asked that implementation of the...

Defence Forces Review. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Naturally, I do not accept the Deputy's contention that there is no urgency. I have informed the Department and the Defence Forces that I want progress in this area as a matter of urgency. As the Deputy recognises, it involves a revolutionary change in the provision of medical services within the Army. It is a sea change; we are turning the whole system, which is no longer adequate, on its...

Defence Forces Review. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Deputy Deenihan is right in that the timescales for many of the recommendations in the report are short term or urgent. That is true for the most part, but there are also recommendations that will require some time to implement. As I said, I am aiming for a timescale of 12 to 18 months, which is short in view of the revolutionary nature of the report. We are talking about moving from a...

Defence Forces Review. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Deputy O'Shea expressed the urgency of this matter, of which I am aware. My Department is represented on the steering and progress groups. I will keep in touch with staff of both groups. The Army medical service, developed in the 1930s and 1940s and perhaps suitable for the prevailing situation then, has not kept pace with change. I agree there is non-alignment between the strategy of the...

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The ministerial air transport service, MATS, provides the Government and the President with an independent, flexible and effective air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. The service is more flexible than commercial air travel in that it is not bound to set routes, timetables or schedules. This flexibility can be very important in a wide variety of...

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: There is a direct cost and indirect cost involved.

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Which cost is the Deputy seeking?

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The total cost includes the cost of depreciation of the aircraft, including wages, salaries and simply having the aircraft. One then adds to that figure the cost of fuel, maintenance, landing charges and so on and one gets the total cost. It costs a particular amount of keep the aircraft. The average per hour, taking the total cost, depends on the type of aircraft used. I will go through...

Ministerial Transport. (8 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The costs in that regard are the highest by far. For 2009, the average total cost is €7,890 per hour and the average direct cost is €4,050 per hour.

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: A wide range of educational, voluntary and community groups currently avail of facilities including those for the provision of sports and physical education. These facilities are provided subject to terms and conditions laid down by my Department and to the exigencies of the requirements of the Defence Forces.

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Defence Force has a total of 292 personnel who are qualified in one of these areas. In addition, a further 16 are presently undergoing a course of study. These qualified personnel are stationed throughout the Defence Forces including the Air Corps and Naval Service. I am advised by the Military Authorities that this figure is proving adequate at present to meet the needs of the Defence...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Army Barracks: Army Barracks (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations that included the closure of Connolly Barracks, Longford. The cost incurred since the closure is €16,516.37.

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Earlier this year, my Department initiated a tender competition for the supply of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) equipment for four from twenty-seven Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles that are being supplied by BAE Systems in South Africa. Following a detailed evaluation of tenders, the contract for the award of the Surveillance and Target acquisition equipment, with a value of...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations that included the closure of Lifford and Rockhill barracks. Prior to the closure of these posts all equipment and materials were removed to Finner Camp. The equipment transferred from Lifford and Rockhill was accommodated within the existing facilities and infrastructure in Finner...

Written Answers — Naval Service Vessels: Naval Service Vessels (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: My Department's Vote for 2009 includes an amount of €5m which has been allocated towards the purchase of new Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Naval Service. This funding has been ear-marked as a down-payment to be made upon the signing of a contract with the preferred bidder who emerged following a recent tender competition organised by my Department. The Naval Vessel Replacement Programme...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Co-operation: Defence Forces Co-operation (6 Oct 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Insofar as opportunities arise in the discharge of their duties, the Defence Forces have my support for the development of international contacts and friendly relations with the armed services of other States. Such contact with the Argentinean services is particularly welcome and is entirely consistent with the historic links between our nations. The Defence Forces have a very good...