Results 3,481-3,500 of 12,631 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 461 together. The Deputy will be aware that the Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. The number of posts to be...

Written Answers — National Airspace: National Airspace (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel is primarily used by military aircraft, but occasionally civil aircraft are permitted to use the Aerodrome for, inter alia, the purpose of pilot training, familiarisation visits and landings of charter aircraft for Irish troop rotations. I am advised by military authorities that KC-135 aircraft have never used Casement Aerodrome. However, I understand that...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 464 together. I have set out in the following table the amount that was granted in pensions to staff who retired early from my Department in each of the past five years. Year Amount granted in Pensions € 2004 Nil 2005 463,142.50 2006 252,651.74 2007 51,789.20 2008 Nil Total 767,583.44 The above pensions were paid to staff at the grades of...

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: The use of all portable electronic devices in my Department and the Defence Forces is covered by comprehensive ICT security policies, which have been in force for some years. The policies have undergone recent review and are supplemented by additional instructions from time to time to reflect changing requirements and best industry practice. They are published and distributed to all staff and...

Written Answers — Army Barracks: Army Barracks (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: The estimated cost of securing Mitchell Barracks for 2008 is approximately €25,500, based on the current rates of security allowance. The Barracks is secured on a twenty-four hour basis throughout the year by members of the Defence Forces based in the barracks.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together. I have set out in the following table the average number of days absence on sick leave per employee for each of the past 5 years for my Department and its agencies, which are Coiste an Asgard and the Civil Defence Board. Year Average number of sick days per employee 2008 8 days 2007 10 days 2006 10 days 2005 16 days 2004 19 days My...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together. I have set out in the following table information in relation to staff within my Department who availed of the early retirement scheme in each of the past three years. I wish to state also that no member of staff within the agencies under the remit of my Department availed of early retirement schemes in this period. Year Number Grade...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Deployment: Defence Forces Deployment (21 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: Decisions regarding the participation of Member States in the European Union in Battlegroups are made on the basis of a number of criteria. It is a matter for each country to decide whether it will participate in a particular Battlegroup or not. Regarding Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, there has been some confusion arising from misinformed reporting in the media on the issue...

Leaders' Questions (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: He is a legend in his own mind.

Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training and imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barracks management, administration, maintenance and...

Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: While I have not received an exact figure, I am advised that substantial cost savings will be achieved through the closures. Payments will reduce in respect of barrack guard duties, storage, utility costs, maintenance, heating and lighting etc. As I indicated, however, the main driver for the decision was that the Army was too widely dispersed over too many barracks, particularly in light...

Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: It is advisable, when taking steps of this nature, to set a target date. Clearly if the process is not completed by the target date of 31 January 2009, it will be completed at a later date. However, I am assured by the military that it will be able to meet the date.

Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: In so far as doing a U-turn is concerned, I note Deputy Deenihan's initial statement on the matter did not oppose the closure of the barracks. I do not know whether he supports or opposes the decision in principle. I am aware, however, that Deputy Bannon is opposed to the closures as he has tabled a motion requesting that I reverse the decision to close Connolly barracks. On the other...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training. A key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: In reply to the various points made by Deputy O'Shea, it is true that more people have left since 2000 than we have managed to recruit. However, it is not true to say that the medical service is in a state of collapse because, as Deputy O'Shea and the House will be aware, where we cannot provide medical service within the Army, we engage outside medical services. We have done our best to...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: There may be merit in that. Obviously, we will be doing something about the situation as soon as we have the consultants' report. We will not be bound precisely by what they say. Other useful suggestions will be taken on board too and I will bear that one in mind.

Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: The issue of the required air transport for the Defence Forces contingent deploying to Chad was considered in detail as part of the planning process for the deployment. A detailed review of the requirements was conducted by the military authorities as is normal in any case of overseas peace support operations. I requested and received the requisite assurances from the Chief of Staff in...

Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: To address Deputy Deenihan's last point first, I understand the helicopters were released on 13 June last until next April. We still do not know the final cost, but it will be in the region of €3 million.

Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: To deal with the Deputy's first two points, I accept there is a problem. Let me emphasise that there is no question about the safety of these helicopters. It is a question of the air operation certificate, which covers what these helicopters are supposed to do — there is a question as to whether they could carry personnel. The better view is that they cannot, and they are not allowed to...

Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)

Willie O'Dea: They can be used for that. Their licence covers them for medical evacuation in emergencies.