Results 3,761-3,780 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 194: To ask the Minister for Defence the expenditure on decentralisation projects by his Department and agencies, and organisations under its responsibility, in the period from the announcement of the plan for decentralisation announced on 3 December 2003 to date in 2010; the bills associated with decentralisation paid in 2009; the bills associated with decentralisation projects in...

Defence Forces Strength. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: I have been advised that there have been serious discussions - I do not know whether the Minister of State can confirm this - about further downsizing the Defence Forces. In other words, downsizing them by stealth. If that happens might it lead to a reduction in the present number of brigades, namely, three, and to units within the Defence Forces? For example, I heard that the cavalry and...

Defence Forces Strength. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Has the Minister of State any information on the merging of units, for example, the cavalry and artillery units? Because the Defence Forces are being downsized it is obvious that new structures are needed. However, does this mean the Defence Forces will be able to recruit and appoint positions at officer level? Will they be given the freedom to do that?

Departmental Offices. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: That seems to be another Irish solution whereby the Government closes one office and creates two others. The new accommodation is obviously provided free of charge but renovations will have to be carried out. Recently, it cost €200,000 to renovate an office for the former Taoiseach in Molesworth Street. What will be the cost of renovating the new offices for the officials in this instance?

Departmental Offices. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Is the cost mentioned in the brief? I asked for that.

Departmental Offices. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Obviously, it will cost something.

Departmental Offices. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: I hope the next Minister will actually use his offices because the previous Minister did not visit his office on too many occasions.

Departmental Offices. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Will the Minister use his office?

Defence Forces Recruitment. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The statistics came out fast so I did not pick them all up. There are two points in this regard. When the height requirement was reduced there was an expectation of a greater entry by women into the Defence Forces. That has not happened. In comparison to other countries, in particular the United States, we do not seem to attract the same...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: That makes that case that they should promote and sell it in the schools.

Defence Forces Recruitment. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: It is an important matter.

Defence Forces Recruitment. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Some 25% of the Reserve Defence Force comprises women whereas only 5.7% of the Permanent Defence Force are women, which is a major difference. Will the Minister of State look to the RDF to provide incentives for women to transfer to the PDF? With regard to future recruitment, how many women will be recruited or has a quota been set to improve the figures? Finally-----

Defence Forces Recruitment. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: Some 8% of the complaints made by Defence Forces personnel to the Ombudsman were from women. Is this proportionate to the number of women who have left the organisation?

Overseas Missions. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: It could happen that Ireland would be forced to withdraw from Chad in July if the Government of Chad has its way. I understand a compromise is being sought whereby the UN force would remain in the north and central part of the battle theatre but that the Irish will be withdrawn from the south. This would be most unfortunate as the Irish have made a significant contribution to the protection...

Overseas Missions. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: If that is possible. The then Minister informed the House at the previous Question Time that the numbers would be reduced as a result of cutbacks. A total of personnel serving overseas would be reduced from 750 to 480, which includes the numbers in Chad which is 406. This means that if the mission is withdrawn from Chad, there will only be 74 personnel serving abroad, a completely...

Departmental Expenditure. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: In recent times, a number of people have left the Defence Forces prematurely by taking early retirement. Can the Minister of State indicate why that has happened? Does he know whether it has happened for financial reasons, for example?

Defence Forces Training. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: On a related matter, I tried to table a question today about the investigation into the sinking of the Asgard II.

Defence Forces Training. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: I was told that the matter is being considered by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The Taoiseach is now responsible for this area. Given that the Asgard II sank in September 2008, I urge the Minister of State to ensure that a report on the sinking of the vessel is brought before the House as soon as possible.

Defence Forces Training. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: We have not yet received the report of the investigation. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, will be here as Minister the next time this matter is considered. Can he assure us that the report will be available on that occasion?

Defence Forces Training. (24 Feb 2010)

Jimmy Deenihan: I certainly will. I hope it will be allowed.