Results 7,901-7,920 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I thank the Minister for the presentation. The basis for the New Zealand issue is setting reasonable targets that can be measured. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl wants to come in on that issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: Does anyone else wish to speak on this? How is military capability measured? If a series of targets is provided, the committee can then ascertain whether the targets have been met.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: It is the methodology used rather than the actual events themselves. No matter what is done, a target is put forward and how the outcome is achieved is considered. It is a given that each country is different because of its geography and other situations, but it is with regard to the targets set and whether they have been achieved.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: To conclude on this, unless anyone else wishes to come in, my understanding is that we need very clear and specific targets which can be measured so members can actually see them and they can be reported on. It is as simple as that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: We will move on to the second part. I understand the Minister has a presentation on the second part of the Estimates.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: Before we go on to that we already wrote to the Minister commending the Naval Service personnel and the work they are doing in the Mediterranean. The committee was unanimous in its support of that. On behalf of colleagues, I also wish the retired Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Conor O'Boyle, well in his retirement and welcome the new Chief of Staff to his position today and wish him...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: We are going to do that anyway.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: We are going to do that anyway as part of our plan. I think Deputy Farrell indicated first, followed by Deputy Ó Fearghaíl.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: There are a number of questions if the Minister wishes to respond.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I am advised that we must be finished by 3.15 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: There were many issues in that contribution and we are conscious of time, so I ask the Minister to be as brief as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I could not comment on that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I wish to advise members that there is a Vote in the Dáil Chamber. I ask the Minister to be brief.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: This issue was discussed at a meeting this morning and does not need to be covered again.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2015: Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I thank the Minister and his officials for their attendance today. I draw the Minister’s attention to the output measures. Reference was made to the target of maximising the effectiveness of Defence Forces operations with available resources. That target was met and achieved but we do not know how. It would be helpful if, in future, the committee had more detail as to how exactly...

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Battle Groups: Motion (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: Apologies have been received from Deputy Anne Ferris. I ask that all mobile phones be turned off as they cause interference with recording equipment. The Minister will attend another meeting at 4 p.m., so our time here is limited. The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following motion which was referred by Dáil Éireann on 23 September 2015:That Dáil Éireann...

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Battle Groups: Motion (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: We have not yet signed the status of forces agreement, SOFA.

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Battle Groups: Motion (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: Does that imply that we may do so in the future and, if so, what are the implications?

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Battle Groups: Motion (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: I thank the Minister and his officials.

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Message to Dáil (30 Sep 2015)

David Stanton: In accordance with Standing Order 87, the following message will be sent to the Dáil:The Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has completed its consideration of the following motion:That Dáil Éireann approves Ireland’s accession to the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the principles for the establishment and operation of a battle group to be made...