Results 3,641-3,660 of 5,034 for speaker:Billy Timmins

Overseas Missions. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: The Minister referred to difficulties experienced in filling positions for overseas appointments. Does he agree that the problem would be alleviated if the Reserve Defence Force were allowed to serve overseas? Will he indicate when they will be permitted to serve abroad?

Overseas Missions. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: We want to know about the decommissioned bus.

Military Intelligence. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Defence the amount of funding provided for military intelligence surveillance for the years 2001 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38348/06]

Military Intelligence. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: I thank the Acting Chairman and apologise for my late entry to the Chamber. I thank the Minister for his reply and appreciate the fact that his response is shrouded in a certain amount of mystery. Notwithstanding that, very little additional money has ever been put in place for military intelligence. This should be done, particularly in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks. While...

Military Intelligence. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: I thank the Minister for his response. I have a final supplementary question. The Minister is the chairperson of the task force on national emergency planning. While one might disagree on its implementation, does he agree it would be beneficial to include an intelligence section within its remit, comprising the Garda, the Army, Customs and Excise, the Revenue Commissioners and possibly a...

Defence Forces Strength. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in relation to the commitment given in the White Paper on Defence to have a Defence Forces strength of 10,500 plus 250 in training; if this commitment has been honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38350/06]

Defence Forces Strength. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: I note from the Estimates for the Department of Defence that the total Defence budget is similar to the increase in health expenditure. It is a small budget. The commitments placed on the Defence Forces have increased since the publication of the White Paper. A solemn commitment was given by the former Minister, Deputy Michael Smith, of a strength of 10,500 plus 250 personnel in training....

Defence Forces Strength. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: The Minister mentioned that when the White Paper was published the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 11,500 but that due to the cutbacks in the public service, the strength of the Defence Forces was reduced to 10,500 and the provision for the 250 personnel in training was no longer maintained. Were there any cutbacks in the number of civilians in the Department of Defence in that...

Defence Forces Strength. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Were the civilian figures reduced accordingly during that period?

Overseas Missions. (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: On a point of order, while this is not my priority question, it is important, if it is agreeable to the House, to allow the Minister to read the full reply into the record.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Are there are any guidelines in place to advise Ministers as to the events or launches in which they should participate?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Does the Tánaiste have any view on the decision of the Minister for Defence to attend a book launch about the late Seán South——

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: ——from which he withdrew following advice from his officials? Has the Tánaiste any comment?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Had the Tánaiste any input into the advice given? This was another gaffe by the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea. He suggested a different approach to the taxi drivers of Limerick than would apply in Dublin. Perhaps he takes different approaches to launching books in Limerick and Dublin.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: He is a multifaceted Minister in a multifaceted Government. Had the Tánaiste an input into the decision to induce him to pull out?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Had the Tánaiste no input?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: The Tánaiste is always quick to comment on such matters. Did he advise the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, to pull out?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: Did the Tánaiste advise him?

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: This is the first time I have ever silenced——

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Billy Timmins: That is what he said.