Results 2,161-2,180 of 12,630 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: In his report Colonel Behan made five recommendations, each of which I will now address in turn. The first recommendation is that in the light of his research and study, the record of Dáil Éireann should be amended in regard to the location where Trooper Browne died. While no definitive conclusion can be reached regarding the precise location of Trooper Browne's death, the proposition that...

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: We examined how best to commemorate what happened in the contribution of both soldiers in a public way. The Chief of Staff suggested that the UNIFIL parade that will take place in Cathal Brugha Barracks at the end of April might be a suitable public occasion because it will attract a lot media attention. Not only will we publicly recognise them at that event but, as Minister for Defence, I...

Overseas Missions. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I accept the Deputy's comments but the military authorities have concluded that these circumstances, however harrowing and difficult they may be for the individuals involved, are not sufficient to warrant the award of a medal for gallantry under the relevant criteria. However, I do not wish to pre-empt any discussion I have with Mr. Fitzpatrick or anybody else Deputy Costello wishes me to...

Departmental Bodies. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Some €400,000 was spent in 2005 to improve facilities within Cathal Brugha Barracks, where the Military Archives are housed. The intention was to secure the archive while the requirement for a more suitable home for it was identified. The military authorities advise that the Military Archives have three staff and that a total five staff would be sufficient to meet the current demands on...

Departmental Bodies. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I agree with the Deputy that the issue is dragging a little and that is why I gave the appropriate instruction to recruit civilian staff without further delay because I suspect suitable staff are not available within the military. The location of the archives is a difficult issue. The relocation of the National Archives is a problem and the relevant authority is experiencing considerable...

Departmental Bodies. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The Department spent €500,000 on the archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks last year to keep the show on the road. The facilities for such an exhibition are limited but I will make inquiries and communicate with the Deputy on the matter.

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements, which includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits. The NBC suits are not a personal issue and are retained in stores...

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. All military vehicles undergo regular maintenance and overhauls to ensure that they are roadworthy and provide value for money. Vehicles are...

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The UN does not contribute directly to the cost of maintaining our equipment, which is purchased and maintained from our own budget. However, a standing arrangement is in place between the UN and its constituent members that compensation be paid for expenditure incurred in sending troops on missions. The compensation is paid in arrears according to a fixed formula. Traditionally, the...

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The formula varies according to particular missions, although I do not know its exact details. The Defence Forces inform me as to how much is owed and my Department contacts the UN when the cheque is late, which is often the case.

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: The sums vary because the UN pays in arrears.

Defence Forces Equipment. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: At one stage, we were owed more than €13 million but I believe the figure has significantly decreased. I can revert to the Deputy with the exact figure.

Defence Forces Inquiries. (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 57 together. On 2 February 2006, I received a report from Mr. Seán Hurley, whom I had appointed to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and the parents and family of Private Kevin Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death on 18 February 1999 while serving with the 84th Infantry...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Retirement Scheme: Defence Forces Retirement Scheme (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 29 together. There are no immediate plans to extend the retirement age of officers in the Defence Forces. The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both recommended reduction to retirement ages in an effort to address the age profile and fitness of the Defence Forces. The White Paper also envisaged...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: An advance party of 12 staff of the Civil Defence Board moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea in September 2004 in preparation for the relocation of the Headquarters of the Civil Defence Board to their new decentralised location. The Board's new purpose built Headquarters in Benamore, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary opened in May 2006 and training courses for Civil Defence volunteers commenced...

Written Answers — Common Security and Defence Policy: Common Security and Defence Policy (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 34, 38, 257, 259 and 276 together. Discussions on Ireland's participation in the Nordic Battlegroup are continuing with Sweden, which is the Framework Nation. There have been a number of detailed discussions between Department officials and the Defence Forces with their Swedish counterparts, including technical discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding...

Written Answers — Casement Aerodrome: Casement Aerodrome (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: Aircraft flying the standard instrument approach from the East to Runway 29 at Casement Aerodrome would normally over-fly Dún Laoghaire, Monkstown, Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, Goatstown, Dundrum, Churchtown, Rathfarnham, Willbrook, Templeogue, Tymon North, Kilnamanagh and Belgard.

Written Answers — Defence Forces Recruitment: Defence Forces Recruitment (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 36 together. Significant progress has been made recently in implementing schemes to enable more commissioning from the ranks. The revised cadetship competition is now seen as the primary means of commissioning from the ranks. The cadetship competition has been revised to increase the maximum entry age to 28 and to award bonus marks to candidates with...

Written Answers — Naval Service Vessels: Naval Service Vessels (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 41 and 269 together. In the White Paper on Defence in 2000, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be developed around the provision of an eight-ship flotilla. The Naval Service is currently operating with the recommended eight ships. As a general guide, the objective would be to replace vessels after approximately 30 years service. On this...

Written Answers — Naval Service: Naval Service (1 Feb 2007)

Willie O'Dea: I would like to begin by expressing my condolences and sincere sympathy to the families and friends of those who died as a result of the sinking of the Pere Charles and Honeydew II fishing vessels. The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue Region. The role of the Defence Forces in Search &...