Results 2,661-2,680 of 19,162 for speaker:Alan Shatter

Other Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: We keep Defence Forces equipment under review. Circumstances, needs and demands change. In that context, it is of significant importance that we keep under continuing review the adequacy and appropriateness of equipment, as well as its usage to ensure we have the capability to fulfil tasks.

Other Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: There is regular training in these areas. Theoretical situations are created to look at response times. I am satisfied the Defence Forces are dealing with these issues in an appropriate manner. No one can ever predict with certainty that some unexpected and unplanned event will not take place. We should be proud of the professionalism of the Defence Forces, the extent of their training...

Other Questions: Air Corps Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: In the context of the incident to which the Deputy referred, I express my condolences and the condolences of all Members of the House to the relatives of those whose lives were lost during that tragic accident. The Air Corps operate a fleet of eight helicopters, two light utility EC 135 helicopters used in the main for pilot training and six utility AW 139 helicopters used for general...

Other Questions: Air Corps Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: If there are lessons to be learned from the tragedy in Scotland, we will seek to learn them. I have no doubt the Scottish authorities will be publishing a report on the outcome of the crash investigation which we will be able to access. My officials can communicate with the Scottish authorities on any issues that arise and might be relevant to us. There are no plans to acquire any...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: In the context of the issue raised by the Deputy I want to be absolutely clear. The Defence Forces follow best international practice in prescribing lariam. Personnel are screened for illness and medical suitability for service overseas. This automatically rules out from overseas service personnel with certain conditions, for example, depression, anxiety, pregnancy and neurodegenerative...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: The only matter the Deputy knows is legally privileged is the report obtained with regard to lariam in the context of litigation pending before the courts taken against the Department of Defence. My recollection is much of the litigation arises from a time when the Deputy's party was in government and the members of the Defence Forces were serving at that time. It was the Deputy's colleague...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: The Defence Forces currently operate an unmanned aerial vehicle system, commonly referred to as UAVs or drones. These UAVs, are, in effect, an information gathering asset which have no offensive capability. They do not carry weapons. We do not have any drones which carry weapons in the context of the Defence Forces. Following a tender competition, an order for two man portable mini...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: Israel has been the object of more UN resolutions than any other country in the world despite the difficulties in a broad range of other countries. I do not think it is a matter for today's debate. In the context of the tendering process, Israeli companies are entitled to submit tenders under EU rules and regulations, as are other countries and states. It is important we buy the equipment...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: The EU operates with the assistance of states. I am not aware of any EU agency which is seeking, as an EU agency on its own, to acquire military equipment of any nature or seeking as an EU agency to acquire, purchase and use large numbers of drones. I am puzzled by the Deputy's question. I am not clear to what the Deputy is referring.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Properties (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: In February 1997 the then Minister for Defence set out policy on married quarters on the basis that they were largely an anachronism and that they should be discontinued in a managed and orderly way. Since then my Department has discontinued the practice of providing such accommodation. In addition, given the age of the housing stock, it has been found that over time the properties require...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Properties (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: As is the Deputy's usual presentation, she is creating a drama and exaggerating the extent of any difficulties. There are currently 29 married quarters being occupied by overholders in the Curragh camp, with a further 14 overholders in the Dublin area. The duration of overholding - or individuals retaining possession of properties they should not retain, as opposed to the many former...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Properties (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: As the Deputy should know, the authorities within the defence family have sought to deal with people in an appropriate way in the context of the legal obligations which those individuals have. Is the Deputy suggesting that people who cease being members of the Defence Forces should not comply with legal obligations and vacate a property. It was known that these properties would not be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 does not apply to Defence Forces personnel when they are on active service. Nevertheless, I am informed by the military authorities that risk assessments are carried out for all mission areas. These risk assessments are intended to identify all hazards that might exist in a mission area, including health risks. Suitable control measures are...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: A small number of members of the Defence Forces feel life has been made a little more difficult for them by the reorganisation but it has also made life easier for a considerable number of members in the context of where they are now located. To conclude-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: The relevant authorities within the Defence Forces are doing everything they can to facilitate members arising out of the reorganisation.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: This is an issue the Deputy returns to obsessively. The Green Paper on Defence, which was published earlier this year, initiated a broad consultative process, as the Deputy will be aware, that will inform the development of the next White Paper on Defence. One of the questions posed in the Green Paper was: "How can our policy of military neutrality be dovetailed with increasing requirements...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: I welcome the fact that the Deputy's party, Fianna Fáil and others contributed to the Green Paper process by making a submission. I was interested in Sinn Féin's submission in the context of the issue the Deputy has raised. It states, "The Green Paper on Defence states that military neutrality is a policy which was formed in the context of interstate armed conflict". We are...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: Sinn Féin in its submission referred to "the need for a human security-based approach", which seems to simply be that if we feed the world, there will be no terrorism.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: I wanted to assure the Deputy that I had read his submission.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Shatter: I am somewhat puzzled as to what military alliances the Deputy thinks we are engaged in. We are a party to the European Common Security and Defence Policy. That is of importance to this State, as it is to the rest of Europe. If there are issues relating to cybersecurity or terrorism, we have an interest in this State in ensuring difficulties do not arise and in co-operating with other...