Results 2,141-2,160 of 12,630 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The period from 1 November to 6 December is only five weeks.

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: It was a period of five weeks from 31 October. This is not unreasonable as it takes some time to get such facilities up and running. The hot food to which Deputy Costello refers is provided from within the camp. It is not as though Lebanon is the sort of place in which one encounters people selling hamburgers and hot dogs on the side of the street. It is somewhat too dangerous for such...

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The Deputy's tastes are more exotic than mine.

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: That might not be to everyone's taste.

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Limerick has quietened down considerably. This is the position. Incidentally, I have monitored this issue closely and have been assured by the Chief of Staff and the top Army brass that all is hunky-dory in respect of the food in Lebanon and that the troops are extremely happy with their fare.

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I am aware of Mr. Clark's statement. We must bear in mind that the Irish are not directly involved in clearing the unexploded ordnance. Clearing that ordnance is the Finn's task and the Irish are merely providing protection for them while they are doing so. It appears the necessary co-operation is not in place. We would prefer if the Israelis had been more co-operative. The Irish...

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: In February 2006 the Chief of Staff appointed Colonel Tom Behan to examine all aspects of the Niemba ambush. I accepted the findings of his report and addressed the matter during Priority Questions on 16 November 2006. I reiterate my congratulations to Colonel Behan for the time and effort he has expended in researching this sensitive and harrowing episode in Irish military history. The...

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Deputy McGrath says he is interested in the truth. So are we all; the truth is what we want. Unfortunately, it is sometimes not possible to definitively establish the truth of an event that happened in the past. This ambush happened 46 years ago. Only two eyewitnesses are alive whom we can trace. If we could talk to the Balubas they might be able to throw more light on the matter. It is...

Commemorative Events. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: A commemoration will again be held this Easter Sunday at the GPO to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916. Following discussions at the all-party Oireachtas committee it has been decided that the format of this year's commemoration will be a military ceremony centred on the GPO with appropriate military honours rendered. There will not be a parade along the lines of the 2006...

Commemorative Events. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The ceremony will take place on Easter Sunday. I cannot give the exact numbers but they will be considerably lower than last year. It will be a simple military ceremony, centred on the GPO and involving the raising of the flag and reading of the proclamation. I cannot control what is envisaged for the future but the committee met on 21 November and will meet again to finalise arrangements...

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, and lands at Gormanston Camp, County Meath, would be among the State property released to the relevant local authorities for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. On 16 December 2003 the Government agreed to the release of approximately two acres of lands at the Camp Field, Collins Barracks,...

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Traditionally, it has been difficult for the Department of Defence to get money at the Cabinet table, but we have moved on from that situation. Last year, more than €1 billion was spent in the defence Estimate for the first time. Since 1997, sales of land re-invested in equipment and buildings have amounted to more than €90 million. We continue to keep the situation under review. The...

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The working group.

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I do not know the details of the case. It occurred before I entered the Department of Defence.

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I am unaware of the details. I would need to hear both sides of the story. I must talk to my officials before agreeing or disagreeing, but I will make inquiries. Was it Clancy Barracks?

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Does the Deputy mean sell Cathal Brugha Barracks or make some of the land available?

Defence Forces Property. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: We keep our property portfolio under constant review. What we dispose of is regarded as surplus to requirements at a particular time. If the Deputy wishes, I will examine the barracks to determine whether any land is surplus to requirements and communicate with him.

Defence Forces Reserve. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 258 together. Service in the reserve is rendered on a voluntary part-time basis. I am aware of the time and effort that its members give freely by participating in training and other activities in their own time. Their willingness to serve in a voluntary capacity and the dedication and enthusiasm they display consistently is appreciated in their local...

Defence Forces Reserve. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Strictly speaking it is incorrect to say they are not remunerated for what they do. They are not remunerated for weekly training, which they do in their spare time, but when they attend their annual training camp, if they are there for a minimum of seven days, they will be paid for the seven days at the relevant regimental rate up to a maximum of 14 days.

Defence Forces Reserve. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: They are also paid when they go on specific training courses and on specific security duties. According to the figures available to me, the Reserve Defence Force personnel may be paid for up to a maximum of 42 days in a year for attending under the headings I outlined. There are, however, exceptions to this on sanction by the Department. In 2006, 25 reservists completed an average of 50...