Results 16,161-16,180 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: I would like to begin by correcting something the Deputy has just said. It is possible that somebody could be forcibly retired from the Defence Forces under this article now.

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: It would be likely to happen in very exceptional circumstances only.

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: Yes.

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: They do.

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: When I spoke to the Deputy about this matter outside the Chamber, I told her that I was anxious to be helpful. However, I am somewhat constrained in terms of what I can say and commit to on the record here and in terms of what I can legally do. I am anxious that we treat this case with fairness. I am keen to ensure any possible review of this case is consistent with what the Seanad called...

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: It is important not to predetermine an outcome.

Other Questions: Defence Forces (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: There are two sides to this story. That is why I think any process that is proceeded with now should be fair and should involve a full assessment of the case, in as much as that is possible, given that this happened quite a long time ago. As I have said, I intend to write to the individual concerned to outline what I consider to be a fair way forward that is consistent with everything I...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: The point of moving on from the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, mission is to move away from having large numbers of heavily armed foreign troops in Afghanistan and towards the resolute support mission, which is a training mission to help build Afghanistan's capacity to run its own affairs. We are trying to move away from a wartime situation and to create peace and stability...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: That is a ridiculous thing to say, with all due respect.

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: We need to put things in perspective. The US launched a military campaign in Afghanistan because of 9-11, when there was considerable proof of terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. Mistakes were made subsequently and there are major challenges in Afghanistan to creating a functional, normalised state, but the idea that pulling all of the contributing non-Afghan troops out would somehow...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: I do not accept the accuracy of what the Deputy is saying. I travelled to Pakistan some years ago and interviewed people in refugee camps who had come from Afghanistan following the bombings that took place there in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United States. I remember very clearly the things I saw there and the people to whom I spoke. This is not a simple black and...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for his timely question. The total number of Army bomb disposal call-outs was 141 last year, down from 250 the year before. However, that is not to suggest the problem is going away. The figures go up and down year on year, from 180 back in 2008 to 141 last year. The figure could be higher this year; we will have to wait and see. Explosive ordnance disposal is the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: It is not appropriate for me to talk about numbers while the conciliation process is ongoing. It is a priority for me to secure agreement through that process with RACO so we can move ahead and ensure, first, that we maintain the training levels and skill sets that are needed in this very important area and, second, that we have the numbers we need to ensure we are fully covered. I intend...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Equipment (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: There is an ongoing requirement to examine new and innovative means of improving capabilities in the security and the defence domain, so that the Defence Forces are in a position to undertake the roles assigned by Government. In July 2011, the Government approved arrangements, whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development, by...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Reserve (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: A Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force was published in November 2012 arising from which a major re-organisation was implemented in 2013. The Reserve is now organised alongside the Permanent Defence Force, within a more efficient single force structure. There have been no recommendations relating to the introduction of employment protection legislation for members of the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by the military authorities that as of 9thJanuary 2015 the Defence Forces have two personnel deployed to Sierra Leone as part of Ireland’s response to the Ebola crisis. A further five Defence Forces medical personnel, one doctor and four medics recently deployed to the UK on Tuesday 6thof January for mission specific pre-deployment training. These personnel are due in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Operations (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: An Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. Since 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Overseas Missions (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Forces have a long association with peacekeeping missions in Africa. The work carried out by Irish personnel deployed with such missions represents an important contribution to the peace and security of the region. Ireland is currently contributing four personnel to the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Ireland has...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Strength (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: In common with all areas of the public sector, the priority in recent years has been to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements within a reduced resource envelope. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Resulting from the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: White Paper on Defence (14 Jan 2015)

Simon Coveney: The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority as it will provide the defence policy framework for the next decade and beyond. Defence policy is a critical aspect of Government policy and I am determined to ensure that the new White Paper fully addresses the Defence response to future security challenges and associated resource requirements in a comprehensive way. Working...