Results 25,621-25,640 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee Meetings (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: In April I chaired four Cabinet Committee meetings. The Committees on Justice Reform, Economic Recovery & Jobs, Economic Infrastructure and Social Policy met. I also chaired a meeting of the sub-committee, on Pathways to Work, of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery & Jobs, and two meetings of the Economic Management Council.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990’s and was the subject of severe criticism by a series of external reports, mainly Price Waterhouse Consultants and the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG). One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Strength (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: The strength of the Defence Forces in each of the years from 1960 to 1970 is set out in the table. Combined strength of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces 1960 - 1970 Description Year Permanent Defence Force Reserve Defence Force Combined Total Strength at 31 December 1960 8,812 23,917 32,729 Strength at 31 December 1961 8,450 23,449 31,899 Strength at 31 December 1962 8,332...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel Data (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. While progress has been made by the Military Authorities in addressing gaps between male and female participation in the Defence Forces, it is recognised that more work needs to be done to meet the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Ceremonies (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: Following a review in 2012 of the 1916 Arbour Hill Commemoration, a number of changes were made to the Ceremony. As part of the review of all aspects of the Commemoration, a substantial exercise in examining the list of invitees and ensuring records were updated was carried out. As a result, prioritised reserved seating was made available for those who are direct descendants of the leaders...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Training (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: Following the closure of Columb Barracks, Government Departments and other Public Bodies were invited to identify any interest in the property. No such interest was expressed. In the meantime a one year lease was signed with Westmeath GAA County Board for the use of part of the former barracks as a centre of excellence for the development of Gaelic games in the County. Following on from this...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Properties (27 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: The former Reserve Defence Force property in Loughrea, Co Galway was vacated in March 2013 and has been identified as being surplus to military requirements. In accordance with normal procedure for the disposal of State property, my Department invited other Government Departments and Public Bodies to register any interest in this property. As no interest has been expressed, preparations are...

Return to Writ: Longford-Westmeath - Introduction of New Member (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I welcome Deputy Gabrielle McFadden as an elected Member for Longford-Westmeath. She replaces her late sister Nicky. This must be a day of nostalgia and emotion for Gabrielle but also one of great excitement in receiving the continued trust of the people of Longford-Westmeath in fulfilling her mandate. I wish her very many years of quality representation which I know she will give to all...

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I thank Deputy Martin for his question. I congratulate him and all the other people elected over the weekend from different parties and none. This is a serious matter and I have already said on the record that my requirement as Taoiseach was to deal with the issue.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: When the information, which I had never had before, was brought to my attention, it was of such serious importance that I felt it right and proper that the Garda Commissioner of the day be informed of my concern and my anxiety because I would have to inform my Cabinet colleagues the following morning about the information brought to my attention. My requirement was that the former Garda...

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I have already said on the public record that my sole concern was that the then Commissioner should be informed of my anxiety and concern because of the information brought to my attention on Sunday and Monday. Following the receipt of a formal request from the Oireachtas committee, the Government responded by setting up a commission of investigation and inserting into the terms of reference...

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: That is the position and there is nothing mysterious about it. It arises from a very serious matter and when the matter was brought to my attention, I felt it incumbent upon me, as the person who sits in this seat, to know that the Garda Commissioner was apprised of my concerns and anxieties. I was going to have to inform my Cabinet colleagues the following morning of the information I had...

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: It was not a case of having the former Garda Commissioner told that the Taoiseach was full of anxiety. What was brought to my attention had gone on for 30 years. We now know about tapes and recordings in Garda stations all over the country and tapes in the case of a woman murdered in west Cork, a case which remains unsolved. If the Deputy wants to make some glib remarks about it, that is...

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I was informed of the seriousness of this matter, an issue new to me and the country.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy is right; I understand my responsibilities in regard to the Garda Commissioner. I do not have the authority to sack anybody.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: However, I do have a responsibility.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I had the responsibility to see to it that the Garda Commissioner of the day was aware of what I had been apprised of and would be made aware of it.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: My request was that the Garda Commissioner be fully apprised of the anxieties and concerns arising from the information that had been given to me.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: We have a process here. The Oireachtas committee met to consider the matter and wrote to me and the Government, stating we must have a commission of investigation and that the terms of reference should include this matter. The sole member of the commission of investigation has written to me, as he is entitled to do, asking me to respond to him.

Leaders' Questions (28 May 2014)

Enda Kenny: I will comply with his request and give him full and comprehensive responses to his queries.