Results 1,161-1,180 of 5,034 for speaker:Billy Timmins

Road Traffic Offences. (20 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: I wish to share time with Deputy Mildred Fox. I am here to try to find out from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, or his representative, what went wrong in the prosecution of speeding fines in Wicklow, following the decision of the courts to dismiss 238 speeding cases in the county on Friday, 2 June. In the course of his judgment, the judge criticised Wicklow County Council...

Written Answers — State Property: State Property (21 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 145: To ask the Minister for Finance the number and details of the tenders submitted for a site (details supplied) in Dublin 4 including the amount of each offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24008/06]

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (21 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 239: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria for receiving approval for the construction of a rural cottage; if a design or size criteria is laid down; if so, the scales or levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24009/06]

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: It is too late for the Adjournment.

Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: The most contentious issue we associate with nursing homes and the care of elderly people is that which was highlighted recently, namely the nursing home inspections. Many of us have consistently raised this issue over many years, but it never received publicity until recently. A report may be on the desk of the Minister or someone else on how these inspections should be carried out and...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Defence whether he has received the report commissioned to examine the height entry requirement for females and males into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24178/06]

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: I realise the height requirement issue for females is only one among a myriad of issues pertaining to the difficulty in encouraging women to join the Defence Forces. Moreover, I realise the percentage of women who join the Reserve Defence Force is far greater than the equivalent percentage for the Permanent Defence Force. However, I regret the Minister has not presented a final decision to...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Does the Minister agree that many nationalities have a limited height requirement? While I may be wrong, I understand the height entry requirement for the United States defence forces is 4 ft. 9 in. The Minister mentioned next week as a possible date for the decision. Can he provide Members with a final cut-off date in order that this issue may be put aside?

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence the legal basis under which Irish military personnel serving in Brussels as part of Ireland's commitment to Partnership for Peace and other such operations are operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24179/06]

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: This issue is similar to that raised by Deputy Costello but slightly different in that it appears the individuals serving with Partnership for Peace, who might be in New York, or involved in other such operations, would have been serving illegally abroad. This contrasts with the circumstances in Kosovo and the dispute over established and authorised personnel. Would section 3 of the proposed...

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: I do not believe it has been the tradition of this State to enact precautionary legislation. Am I correct in assuming that the Attorney General's advice is that the personnel in question are serving illegally at present?

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: If not, why has the Minister proposed the new section 3?

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Am I correct in assuming that this category of personnel serving abroad is different from that involved in the KFOR mission?

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: There are two different issues.

Defence Forces Awards. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Deputy Ó Snodaigh's point is well made and I support it. Will the Minister say whether any outstanding issues remain as regards the families concerned? I know the Department of Defence was in discussion with one or more of the families as regards outstanding liabilities. I wonder whether these matters have been finalised. Finally, will he consider re-establishing the Air Corps search and...

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: I welcome the decision by the Government to participate in EU battle groups, which was a long time coming. Will the Minister confirm that the troops will likely train in England?

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: One of the reasons the battle group was formed was to have a cohesive network. Prior training would be required for this. Will the Minister give an indication where they might train? It is most unusual that Irish troops can go abroad to train, but foreign armies cannot train here. Does the Minister agree? Are there any intentions to hold a referendum? Section 8 in the new Act is at the hub of...

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: I agree with Deputy Gormley on that, but it does exist unfortunately. The Minister is caught between two stools. I am telling him that he is not going far enough, while DeputyGormley tells him that he has abandoned neutrality. He has not abandoned neutrality, whatever that may mean. I would like to see the Minister address this in a logical way. We will bring forward an amendment to this on...

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: We spoke earlier about Irish personnel who participated in Partnership for Peace and that the legislation is being brought in to confirm their legal status. We have also established that foreign armies cannot train here and for them to do so would require a referendum. Could it logically be said that foreign military personnel who are based here, be it as a military attache or people who come...

Overseas Missions. (22 Jun 2006)

Billy Timmins: Perhaps I could get a copy of that advice before the legislation is debated here the week after next.