Results 6,421-6,440 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Other Questions: Army Equitation School (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The issues raised in the parliamentary questions, including Question No. 33 by Deputy Gerry Adams, relate to matters of fact and I do not know why the information should not be provided. I have the statistic on the total prize money won. I have no doubt the House is entitled to the information it seeks on expenditure. While it is not included in the reply provided, it will have to be given...

Other Questions: Army Equitation School (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I agree absolutely with Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. The school does a very good job and long may it continue to fly our flag in international competition. It is very good for the horse industry also.

Other Questions: European Defence Agency (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: One of the Ireland’s priorities in the defence arena during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the development of capabilities in support of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, through enhanced co-operation between the European Defence Agency and the European Commission in the field of research and innovation in the security sector. The...

Other Questions: European Defence Agency (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The activity of the Army in such cases is in aid of the civilian power and to deal with explosive devices due to criminal gangs North and South, some of whom are involved in drugs. It is important the Army has the best possible training and equipment. In the procurement of any new technology, it is important we get the best possible deal. One of the main issues is to develop synergy in...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Operations (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 31 together. On 7 April 2010, the EU launched a military training mission in Somalia to contribute to strengthening the transitional federal Government and the institutions of Somalia. This support continues to take place within the framework of the EU's comprehensive engagement in Somalia, with a view to responding to the priority needs of the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Operations (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am happy to bring the Deputy's comments to the attention of the Minister. The brief I have does not comment on that particular aspect.

Other Questions: European Defence Capabilities (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: During each European Union Presidency, one formal and one informal meeting of Defence Ministers is held. There is no separate Defence Ministers' Council within the EU Council of Ministers. The formal meetings are held in Brussels or Luxembourg at the invitation of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the informal meeting in the country holding the Presidency....

Other Questions: European Defence Capabilities (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: A number of principles apply and allow for co-operation to be enhanced. These include political will and commitment, cost-effectiveness, flexibility between groupings of two or more, usability and availability. The code of conduct is voluntary and non-binding, respecting the national defence policies of individual member states. As such, it does not create any issues for Ireland. Ireland...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, visited Dublin on 12 and 13 February this year. He did so at the invitation of the EU High Representative and the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to participate in the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers, which was held at Dublin Castle, as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council 2013. During his visit Mr. Rasmussen...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: On the record, I have the Secretary General's speech and he did not make the comments the Deputy attributed to him.

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am referring to a speech he made and he did not comment on that. I want to make it very clear that any participation in overseas peacekeeping missions is a key element of our foreign policy. Any time we get involved it is because we are fulfilling our international obligations as a member of the United Nations and the EU. Any decision by Ireland to participate in an overseas operation,...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Any NATO-led operation in which we are involved must be UN-authorised and whether it is led by the NATO, EU or AU, we participate on the basis of a United Nations authorised resolution and it is only on that basis that we get involved.

Other Questions: Common Foreign and Security Policy (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Since the coming into force of the Lisbon treaty, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, now conducts the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy assisted by the European External Action Service. During each European Union Presidency one formal and one informal meeting of Defence Ministers is held. As part of Ireland’s...

Other Questions: European Council Meetings (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: During each European Union Presidency one formal and one informal meeting of Defence Ministers is held. There is no separate Defence Ministers Council within the EU Council of Ministers. The formal meetings are held in Brussels or Luxembourg at the invitation of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton, and the informal one in the country...

Other Questions: European Council Meetings (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would be happy to take the Deputy's view back to the Minister, but this is not a formal decision-making body. It is a useful forum at which member states can put forward ideas and discuss topical issues. The debates at the meeting were fruitful, particularly in respect of the preparations for the European Council on defence arranged for December of this year, and it also gave further...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Properties (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 22 together. I am taking this question on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter. Since 1998 a total of 14 barracks have been closed under various barrack consolidation programmes. To date, nine of these barracks - Clancy in Dublin, Castleblayney, Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Monaghan, Cavan,...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Properties (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The total realised to date from the sale of surplus property has been approximately €85 million. This, together with income of €18 million from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters, has been reinvested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The moneys thus received in respect of the sale of properties have been returned...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I apologise for my late arrival but I had been told the meeting was to commence at 2.15 p.m.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move amendment No. 1: In page 3, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following:“Amendment of section 1 of Act of 1952 3.Section 1 of the Act of 1952 is amended in paragraph (b) of subsection (2) (amended by section 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008) by substituting “€119” for “€99”.”.The purpose of this...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (14 Mar 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is not a matter for my Department. Amendments being ruled out of order is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas, as I understand it.