Results 5,761-5,780 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Overseas Missions (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I take Deputy Stanton's comments on board. I agree that is a serious issue. This is the first time we have been asked if we can assist in the provision of an autonomous vessel protection detachment, AVPD. I will bring the Deputy's comments to the attention of the Minister.

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 17 together. Arising from the Government's comprehensive review of expenditure, the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, was reduced to 9,500 personnel. In response to this reduced strength ceiling, my colleague, the Minister for Defence, initiated a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. A three brigade...

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Troy for his comments; I will inform the Minister that his location of choice is Athlone.

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am not surprised. This fundamental reorganisation of the Defence Forces is a significant undertaking and a range of alternative approaches must be considered. The Minister previously outlined that this work will take some months to complete. Accordingly, the detailed effect of changes arising from the reorganisation, including the implications for levels of rank establishments which the...

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not have a briefing note on that matter but the Minister has instructed both the Secretary General of the Department and the Chief of Staff to present options. I will bring the issue of the Green Paper to the attention of the Minister.

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: No, they are options.

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is exactly what the Minister is doing. The Chief of Staff is in charge of the Defence Forces and it is right and proper that the Minister has requested the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department to come back with options. It is not the Minister's job to micro-manage every aspect as this is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff. However, any good commander will...

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister will consult with the Secretary General who benefits from the collective wisdom of the Department and also with the Chief of Staff who represents the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. Therefore, everybody is being consulted. As a result of this reorganisation and other changes, at least 500 people will have the opportunity to apply to become full-time members of the...

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister is awaiting the report from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General. They want to proceed with proper discussion of all the options and the necessary changes as expeditiously and as effectively as possible. I do not envisage a protracted delay.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá an Teachta as láthair inniú. Ní fheadar cén fáth.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: When the Government took the decision to close a number of military barracks, my colleague, the Minister for Defence asked his Department to enter into discussions with other Departments, local authorities, State agencies and community groups regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. In...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I heard the Deputy was watching us outside.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Reserve Defence Force is a very important part of the Army infrastructure. The Department has advertised as late as this week in its search for space adequate for its needs. A full-time barracks is staffed with full-time members of the Defence Forces. I am a former member of the Reserve Defence Force - as is Deputy Brendan Smith. I was a long-serving member of B Company, 8th Battalion...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would like to refresh the memories of Deputies opposite, in particular. Since 1998, ten barracks have been closed. In July 1998, the then Government, of which Deputy Smith was no doubt a Minister, announced the closure of six barracks, including Ballincollig and Fermoy in Cork, Devoy in Naas, Magee in Kildare, Castleblayney, which is in Deputy Smith's constituency, and Clancy in Dublin....

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am not finished. In 2009, the then Minister announced the closure of four barracks, including Monaghan in Deputy Smith's constituency, Lifford in Donegal, Longford in Deputy Troy's consistency, and Rockhill House in Donegal. Notwithstanding that-----

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: We are in this situation because of the policy of Deputy Smith's party in government and the way the economy was run.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: However, I will address this issue if I may. We all know of the issues along the Border and Deputy Smith and I, in particular, know there were significant events north of the Border which demanded that we needed such a response.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Thankfully, that is all over now. That is a very important issue. We must now reorganise our Defence Forces in a practical and realistic way. Irrespective of whether Deputy Smith believes it, we all know change must happen. Change is never easy but we must talk about the positives. In the reconstruction taking place, at least 500 young people will have the opportunity to become full-time...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I apologise. I did not hear what the Deputy said.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I was listening but did not hear what the Deputy just said.