Results 12,021-12,040 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Social Welfare Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I wish to share time with Deputies Seymour Crawford and Michael Ring.

Social Welfare Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: When I spoke last evening I referred to the need for the Minister to have regard to how the rent support system operates. Some young vulnerable couples have to supplement their rent almost to the extent of 50% of their disposable income which is generated by social welfare payments. This has been brought to the Minister's attention before but the time has come to do something about it,...

Overseas Missions. (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 53: To ask the Minister for Defence the number in the proposed deployment of Irish troops overseas on EU or UN missions; the extent of training and the availability of military hardware prior to the commencement of such missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34376/07]

Overseas Missions. (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 92: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the proposed deployment of Irish troops to Chad; the expected strength and composition; the availability of adequate supply and transport facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34375/07]

Overseas Missions. (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 168: To ask the Minister for Defence when he expects the deployment of Irish troops to Chad to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34598/07]

Overseas Missions. (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. Does he agree that in a deployment of this nature, given the vastness of the area concerned, it would be highly advisable to make available helicopters for the rapid transport of troops and equipment from one area to another? Does he also agree it is absolutely vital in such situations to have adequate communications equipment and adequate...

Road Safety: Motion (Resumed). (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this motion and I compliment my colleague Deputy Fergus O'Dowd on bringing it before the House. I am in a unique position to speak on this subject as I had an out of body experience related to a motor accident in the past week. This motion serves to focus attention on the contributory factors leading to road deaths. I believe that enough signs...

Written Answers — Foster Care: Foster Care (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if and when foster allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34554/07]

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34553/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 166: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is intended to augment the strength of the Defence Forces with particular reference to anticipated overseas deployments on EU and UN missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34596/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 167: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has a precise plan to ensure within reason self-sufficiency in terms of the military hardware available to contingents of Irish troops who are expected to be deployed overseas with particular reference to air cover and fire power, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft or other equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34597/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 169: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the extent of training and equipment available to Irish troops being deployed overseas is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 170: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is intended to make specific changes in respect of the strength or level of equipment available to Irish troops to be deployed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34600/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 175: To ask the Minister for Defence if all Irish troops serving overseas have a full complement of body armour, breathing apparatus or other personal safety equipment. [34605/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Deployment: Defence Forces Deployment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 171: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with his EU or UN counterparts in regard to coastal defence or surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34601/07]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Deployment: Defence Forces Deployment (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 173: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the matter of coastal defence and surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34603/07]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 172: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of strength of proposed deployments of Irish troops overseas with particular reference to the need to ensure sufficient strength for their own protection and that of their colleagues having particular reference to previous experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34602/07]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (12 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Question 174: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent of the discussions he has had with his EU or UN colleagues in the matter of the creation of rapid response units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34604/07]

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: In the Government's published list of proposed legislation there are two sections. The first, section B, concerns ten Bills in respect of which heads have been agreed and texts are being drafted. Section C concerns Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by the Government. In both cases publication is expected in 2008, as it is for the remaining 50 or 60 Bills. Given the...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I am anxious to ascertain what progress has been made.