Results 3,521-3,540 of 12,631 for speaker:Willie O'Dea
- Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Under our UNSAS commitment, up to 850 troops can be deployed overseas at any time. Sometimes that number is slightly exceeded but that is the general position. This equates to 10% of the enlisted personnel in our standing Army. The military authorities manage the figures and I have been assured by them that our commitment to the battle group will not be affected. We can participate in...
- Overseas Missions. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: There is no contradiction. Ireland is part of the Nordic battle group and our commitment is to 95 troops. A total of 746 troops are deployed abroad currently. If our full complement abroad was maintained and troops were needed to be on stand-by for the Nordic battle group for a period or if troops had to be deployed in one of its operations, we would still be within the 850 troop limit.
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: In response to the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Accounting Officer of my Department stated it was the Department's view that the conditions that led to the introduction of Border duty allowance, BDA, no longer exist, and I agree with that assessment. The Defence Forces have played a key role in the Border area in aid to the civil power. The overall nature of the Defence Forces...
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is not a net cost. Our agreement with the representative associations of the Defence Forces is that members of the Defence Forces who are entitled to security duty allowance for their security duty do not get it if they are also in receipt of Border duty allowance. The net cost is just over half of that â¬25 million. The best explanation is that the Defence Forces have undergone a...
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is okay.
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I appreciate that Deputy Crawford has legitimate concerns about the closure of Monaghan barracks. I would prefer to be standing here saying no barracks will be closed.
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The situation has changed considerably, as Deputy Deenihan is aware. We will not discuss that matter now. On negotiations, the Chief of Staff will tomorrow visit all of the barracks affected by the closures and speak with the relevant personnel by Friday at the latest. There is a compensation scheme for those who incur moving costs, including travel expenses and expenses associated with...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, comprising approximately 12,000 personnel. The RDF review implementation plan was formally launched in July 2004 and provides for the phased enhancement of reserve capabilities until the end of 2009. The plan set out the proposed establishment of the reserve. The non-integrated element of the reserve...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I deny that the Government has abandoned the reserve. Everyone understands that numerous savings across different sections and Departments are necessary given the current budgetary situation. Beyond the reserve, there has been a decline in the number of volunteers. This is affecting the reserve's numbers. Another impact stems from the active attempts to remove non-effective personnel from...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Deputy Deenihan is correct that the response to date has been disappointing. Perhaps the requirements are too rigorous. However, there is no intention of abandoning the scheme. Instead, we are considering various ways of making it more attractive and easier for people to come forward.
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 42 together. Defence Forces married quarters are provided to serving members until their retirement or resignation. Defence Forces regulations state the quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service. The current situation has arisen as a result of a failure to do so. Following previous attempts to resolve the situation regarding the...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the first letter may have been a tad insensitive. When it was brought to my attention, a second letter issued. A meeting with the families is to take place towards the end of October. I am aware of the difficulties for people in securing loans in the current economic climate. I assure Deputies Deenihan and Andrews that I will instruct my officials to be...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Yes.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: On a point of order, Deputy Shatter has referred to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as a "gurrier". Does the Acting Chairman consider this in order? Will he give the Deputy an opportunity to withdraw the remark?
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I have made a point of order.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: On a point of order, is there to be any sanction for a Deputy who refuses to obey a request from the Chair?
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Deputy Shatter should show some respect for the Chair.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The Deputy is abusing the House. A request was made to him by the Chair.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: We will see about this.
- Written Answers — Sail Training Vessel: Sail Training Vessel (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 23 and 46 together. The Marine Casualty Investigation Board, which is a statutory, independent body, is carrying out an investigation into the cause of the sinking of Asgard II on 11 September. I have no information as to when the result of that investigation will be available. Asgard II was insured with Allianz Plc in the sum of â¬3.8m. Following...