Results 5,701-5,720 of 6,569 for speaker:Ruairí Ó Murchú

Delivering Universal Healthcare: Statements (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: While they wait, his teeth are at increased risk of long-term decay due to the brace. It is a particular issue that keeps happening and we really need to get on top of orthodontic services.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Recent Developments in the EU on Security and Defence: Discussion (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I, too, will have to leave to speak in the Dáil.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Recent Developments in the EU on Security and Defence: Discussion (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I have done nothing short in my life. I thank Dr. McDonagh and Professor Tonra for coming in. They have dealt with the issue of Ireland's neutrality and our independent foreign policy. It would be difficult to get movement on that. Whatever future questions are asked, the slaughter in Palestine has created greater difficulties to a degree. Obviously, what the Russians have done is part...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Recent Developments in the EU on Security and Defence: Discussion (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I apologise if some of this has been dealt with. Professor Tonra spoke about two things, including security clearance. I do not expect Ireland to have a CIA and I certainly do not expect it to have a whole pile of James Bonds going around the place. However, an ability to analyse information and to be able to put the correct information in front of Government and Ministers is obviously...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Recent Developments in the EU on Security and Defence: Discussion (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Any good students will know.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Where does the Tánaiste intend to deploy Irish troops in the event that he is successful in progressing legislation that would remove the triple lock neutrality protection, considering that the Government has withdrawn from the UNDOF peacekeeping mission due to capacity constraints?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I take it from that answer that there is no intention at this point in time to deploy troops if the proposed triple lock legislation makes its way through? I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste came before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence earlier this week to report on the engagement with the Foreign Affairs Council and Ireland's new arrangements with...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: We are all aware of the geopolitical difficulties and the fact that many people are game playing on an international basis but that does not change where the Irish people are on neutrality. They see the ending of the triple lock as a step in a direction that they would not like to go. We would like those opinions to be taken into account. In a report on the Defence Forces serving with...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I am looking for the establishment figure of the Naval Service, the strength as of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the current strength of the service, the number of personnel required under level of ambition, LOA, 2 and the current number of ships that can simultaneously be put to sea.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: On the numbers, there were 1,094 personnel in 2019. That is now down to 722. A determination has not been made yet on how many more are required to reach llevel of ambition 2. I assume that figure will be made available fairly soon. Irish waters make up 12% of all EU waters and 75% of subsea cables in the northern hemisphere pass through or near Irish waters. To monitor, surveil and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Naval Service (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I have no doubt that huge extra moves will need to be made in ensuring that we get through what is obviously a recruitment and, particularly, a retention issue regarding the Defence Forces in general. The issue many of us have is what matters and is seen to qualify as a priority by the Government. It seems removing the triple lock is one. Officials are to proceed without delay in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Deputy Carthy and many others are seeking greater engagement with the Opposition. The record of the House will show that the Tánaiste has denied requests to refer matters to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for detailed scrutiny and that votes on related but distinct matters have been taken as a singular vote. Deputy Carthy and other members of that...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I agree that we have a great history of peacekeeping. I, like many others, have referred here many times to the Irish people’s belief in staying non-aligned. They do not want to see any move away from neutrality. The fact is that it is very difficult to see the removal of the triple lock as being anything but a step in a particular direction. It does put our troops in danger and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Éireann (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: I will bring up a similar issue. It is not only the lack of bus drivers. Sometimes, it is the issue of the number of buses and the state of some of them. Yesterday, there were five cancellations of the 100X expressway, which is the Dundalk to Dublin bus. It is the bus that goes to the airport so it can be imagined how much of a disaster cancellations are for people trying to avoid...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Bus Éireann (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Could we look at the 100X route?

Neighbour Disputes (Vegetation) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Yes, we have a problem with most things in Dundalk. I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for bringing forward the aptly-named Neighbour Disputes (Vegetation) Bill. I thank the Minister of State and the Government for not opposing it. Everyone agrees that this is the sort of thing that can become a big issue for neighbours and for many of us as elected representatives. I remember as a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Recent Developments in the EU on Security and Defence: Discussion (15 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: Senator Craughwell would prefer that they be academics that agree with him.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: 25. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the current number of personnel in all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/24]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (16 May 2024)

Ruairí Ó Murchú: 39. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the arrangements in place when retired Defence Forces' personnel who are fully trained in paramedical and advanced paramedical skills while in the Defence Forces can easily move to work in the HSE or National Ambulance Service; if he is aware of any issues with the recognition of service carried out while they were serving members; and if he...