Results 2,501-2,520 of 26,225 for speaker:Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Other Questions: Defence Forces Reorganisation (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I raise this question in the context of the impending Green Paper. I want to ask the Minister for Defence for his views on the current balance between the three services within the Defence Forces, particularly whether that balance is appropriate in the context of this being an island nation.

Other Questions: Defence Forces Reorganisation (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Some 80% of the Permanent Defence Force in Ireland is in the Army, with 11.3% in the Naval Service and 8.5% in the Air Corps. This compares, for example, with another island nation, New Zealand, where 27% are in the air corps and 23% in the naval service. The Irish Maritime Forum made a number of interesting comments and constructive proposals in this regard. There is no doubt that, for an...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Reorganisation (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: In that matter of the White Paper, the steering group in 2000 consisted of a major-general, a colonel, an assistant secretary and a principal officer. The working group which was founded at the time consisted of two colonels and two principal officers. There was no permanent naval representative on either group. In hindsight, that is something I very much regret. Does the Minister intend...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Reorganisation (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: We welcome his appointment.

Other Questions: Defence Forces Expenditure (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: 11. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will expand on his recent statement that Ireland’s expenditure on defence, as a proportion of GDP, is one of the lowest in the European Union, while the country's Defence Forces are assigned wider roles than those of the defence forces of most member states and that any consideration of defence resourcing must have due regard to these facts;...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Expenditure (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Speaking to the Institute of International and European Affairs in September, the Minister stated Ireland's expenditure on defence as a proportion of GDP was one of the lowest in the European Union, while the Defence Forces are assigned wider roles than the defence forces of most other member states. He also indicated any consideration of Defence Forces resourcing must have regard to these...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Expenditure (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Am I to take it from the Minister's comments that he accepts the share of GDP expended on the Defence Forces and Ireland's defence policy is insufficient? Is it his ambition that the White Paper will set a benchmark for expenditure as a percentage of national income?

Other Questions: Defence Forces Expenditure (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I was struck by the Minister's comment in the same speech that: "As defence is an area of public expenditure where the impact of cuts is not immediately evident to the general public, it is critically important that we clearly articulate the rationale underpinning expenditure and funding requirements." Does he accept that type of comment increases the pressure for defence cuts? He...

Leaders' Questions (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The Taoiseach should answer the question.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The Government has promised to introduce major items of administrative legislation in the area of the arts and heritage, namely, the national cultural institutions (museums and archives) Bill which will deal with the National Library, the National Museum and the National Archives and the national cultural institutions (galleries) Bill which will give effect to the policy changes the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Overseas Missions (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: 17. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Defence Forces mission to the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46839/13]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: EU Battlegroups (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: 27. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any EU Battlegroups in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46842/13]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Deployment (6 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: 28. To ask the Minister for Defence his views on whether the triple lock has served the State well; his views on the fact that Ireland’s contribution to international peacekeeping is not constrained in any significant way by it; his further views that a UN mandate is vital if a peacekeeping mission is to be effective in achieving its goals; and if he will make a statement on the...

Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The Tánaiste will be aware of the concerns that have been expressed about the ability of the Health Service Executive to deliver front-line services in 2014, particularly when it is faced with a cut of €666 million, as referred to by the Minister for Health in the budget debate. The figure may even rise above €1 billion, as referred to by the chief executive of the HSE....

Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I am disappointed with the Tánaiste's response. He spoke about reform and statistics. The reality is that of the 1,400 children nationwide with life-limiting conditions, who are primarily being looked after by the Jack and Jill Foundation, approximately 350 die per annum. We all acknowledge that we are in difficult economic circumstances and perhaps we will have the luxury on another...

Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Is that still on target?

Leaders' Questions (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I was not speaking about a children's hospital. The Tánaiste should answer the question he was asked.

Order of Business (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The programme for Government commits the Government to address the plight of three specific categories of people, first and foremost being the survivors of the Magdalene laundries. Very considerable credit is due to the Government for the work that has been done in that area, albeit that it took the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to jump up and down a little bit and make it quite...

Order of Business (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: It is a matter.

Order of Business (7 Nov 2013)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: It is in the programme for Government.