Results 1,721-1,740 of 26,225 for speaker:Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Grant Scheme Payments (11 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 22 November 2012, if payments due in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be paid immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55532/12]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (11 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the proposals his Department has made with regard to meeting the administrative and operational costs to a facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; if prior to the development of this facility the Health Service Executive had a clear understanding and agreement with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (11 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the proposals his Department has made with regard to meeting the administrative and operational costs to a facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; if prior to the development of this facility the Health Service Executive had a clear understanding and agreement with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (11 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the proposals his Department has made with regard to meeting the administrative and operational costs to a facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; if prior to the development of this facility the Health Service Executive had a clear understanding and agreement with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The Minister is double-jobbing.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Reserve (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Defence the key changes he is proposing regarding the Reserve Defence Forces; if legislation will be necessary to effect these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54929/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Reserve (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I thank the Minister for his reply. I acknowledge that there was a significant decline in participation in the RDF, particularly during the middle part of the previous decade. One is obliged to wonder why that decline occurred. I also wish to acknowledge the substantial contribution made to the State and local communities by the RDF in its many previous manifestations - the LSF, the LDF...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Reserve (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I accept the point the Minister makes to some extent. However, one must question the extent to which participation in the RDF has been promoted by the PDF. One must also ask whether those who were participating and who had signed up were encouraged to actively partake of the training courses on offer. Will the Minister provide an explanation as to the impact on serving members of his...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Reserve (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: The Acting Chairman is very tough on Members.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Reserve (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To be helpful, I will take just two minutes.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Personnel (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on whether there are sufficient opportunities for promotion at all levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54930/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Personnel (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: In written responses in recent weeks the Minister indicated that the total number of promotions at NCO level since the announcement of the review in July was 129 and that the total pertaining to commissioned officer rank was 90. There could be disproportionality in this regard. Will the Minister comment on this? Does he share the concern I expressed previously that there is considerable...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Personnel (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I understand there are complex procedures in place within the Defence Forces for promotions. Is the Minister satisfied that procedures were applied consistently in all promotions? Will he explain why those going for promotion, in the Air Corps, for example, did not have their overseas service considered in some instances? If he cannot explain it now, I will be happy to receive...

Other Questions: EU Battlegroups (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide a progress report on Ireland’s participation in the Austro-German Battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54759/12]

Other Questions: EU Battlegroups (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I am conscious that participation in the Nordic battle group and, consequently, the Austro-German battle group was approved by the previous Government. I am interested in knowing about the deliberations the Minister has had with the Chief of Staff and his partners in the Government on future participation. Has he, in consultation with interested parties, had the opportunity to evaluate the...

Other Questions: EU Battlegroups (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Will that be a priority issue for the Minister as he chairs the Council of Ministers for Defence in the next six month period? In that regard, are there any other gems of wisdom he might give us in terms of his priorities in his role during the next six months?

Other Questions: European Council Meetings (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Does this mean we have double time?

Other Questions: European Council Meetings (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I thank the Minister for his response. He has said before that the participation of the Defence Forces in EU battle groups increases their interoperability with forces from other EU member states. Does this whole area of interoperability form part of the discussions the Minister has had with his EU counterparts and those one would expect to have in the course of the year ahead? Members of...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I thank the Minister for his response on this matter. We should never fail to avail of the opportunity at such times to acknowledge the value of the service that our Defence Forces have provided in a variety of countries overseas. Time and again they have distinguished themselves in the service they have given in the cause of peace. Some of them have sacrificed their lives. In general,...

Other Questions: Overseas Missions (12 Dec 2012)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: There is growing concern among persons who have served overseas and taken Lariam. I took it many years ago with no ill effects, at least, of which I am aware. Have the Defence Forces provided counselling, guidance or information directly to serving or retired members of the Defence Forces who have concerns about this issue? If the Department was to be proactive in this matter, by way of...