Results 3,961-3,980 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Defence Forces Strength. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: This is a very serious question. In view of the fact that some military personnel are now operating above their rank, could there be a potential health and safety issue in this regard? Is the Minister satisfied there is no health and safety issue as regards such people giving advice, direction and orders, effectively executing a role that is above their normal rank?

Army Barracks. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Will the Minister clarify who is providing maintenance in these barracks at present? What is the position on security at the various barracks? Has the Minister or his Department had reports of any anti-social behaviour at the barracks? The question on McKee refers to that, I appreciate. He mentioned VECs, but has the Minister had any approaches from community groups or has he encouraged...

Army Barracks. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I refer to an article that appeared in one of the national newspapers today in which the Minister made a commitment to the effect that there will be no further barracks closures in this year's budget. Can the Minister confirm this was an accurate report that emanated from either the Department or the Minister himself?

Commemorative Events. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I welcome the Minister's response. It is important that the country should see its Defence Forces as much as possible and their participation in events such as 1916 commemorations serve to heighten the importance of such events. I have stated previously that Defence Forces participation raises the sense of occasion. It also demonstrates to the people that while the Defence Forces may be...

Ministerial Transport. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I note that in 1998, for example, Government aircraft flew 261 missions, while last year they flew 191 missions. To date in 2009, which is almost at an end, there have been just 100 missions. The fact that demand is falling makes one wonder whether there is a need for two Government jets in this time of financial difficulty, on which the Minister so often lectures us even when answering...

Ministerial Transport. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Has the possibility of renting out the jets to private organisations to raise funds or subsidise their use been considered? It may in some circumstances be a useful way to make money given that the Taoiseach has said we must consider all options and get more for less.

Ministerial Transport. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Will the Minister consider it?

Defence Forces Deployment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I join with the Minister in recognising the role that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and all other organs of the State played in this matter. I understand, however, that members of the Defence Forces played a critical role in liaising with the European Union and the United Nations. Some had served with the UN in Ethiopia and the Sudan and were familiar with the local politics,...

Army Barracks. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: From the information I have received, the site has become derelict and a blight on the townscape while also attracting much anti-social behaviour. It has become an embarrassment to the Defence Forces and local authority. Will the Minister assign responsibility for cleaning up the site, making it presentable and safe? Is there some way the site can be screened off so that it does not...

Overseas Missions. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has decided if participation in MINURCAT in Chad will continue beyond March 2010; if not, when he expects the decision to be taken; his views on this matter; the expected cost involved in the termination of participation in March 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42384/09]

Overseas Missions. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I thank the Minister for his expression of sympathy. If the Irish withdrew from the mission, would it make it unviable? It would certainly make it very difficult for the United Nations to continue with the mission as it stands. That there is a group in training to take over in March 2010 is an indication that the mission will be continued. It would be very unfair to the personnel in...

Overseas Missions. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Including equipment.

Overseas Missions. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: The response to the Irish mission has been very positive in the refugee camps in Darfur and the refugees themselves and their leaders are very anxious to have the Irish stay. Consider the Medevac facilities provided by the UN to ensure the mission will be well supported in terms of any evacuation that could occur, bearing in mind the possibility of an extension beyond March. Is the Minister...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 3: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of posts within the Defence Forces vacant due to the moratorium as of 1 November 2009; the number per brigade and by service; if he has been requested by the Chief of Staff or others in the Defence Forces to vary the nature of the moratorium in view of the impact it is having on the functioning of the Defence Forces; and if he will make...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: The Minister has more or less accepted that the continued extension of the recruitment and promotions ban is affecting the operational efficiency of the organisation to some extent. He is no doubt aware that staff are acting up to a level for which they are not qualified. The services are being carried out on a must-do basis because of legal and personnel requirements. The operational...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Given that the Army probably will be called in next Tuesday in a significant way, is the Minister satisfied that the personnel is available to it at this stage in spite of the lack of recruitment and promotion to meet the tasks the Government might assign next Tuesday? Is he satisfied the necessary capacity is available?

Defence Forces Equipment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost of new riot gear bought in 2009 for use by the Defence Forces; the reason for buying the new gear in 2009; if the buying of new riot gear is related to fears of civil disturbances here in the immediate future; if the Defence Forces have received additional training over and above that normally provided with regard to peace support missions...

Defence Forces Equipment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I welcome the Minister's clarification of the question about the issue of being involved in aid to civil power in certain circumstances. Regarding aid to civil power, will the Minister confirm if the group on emergency planning, for example, which will be critical next Tuesday, has met this year and, if so, the number of times it met? Also, what role does the Minister envisage the Army...

Defence Forces Equipment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: It is to do with aid to civil power.

Defence Forces Equipment. (19 Nov 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Has the Minister addressed this problem specifically? There could be chaos in this country next Tuesday. As Minister for Defence, has the Minister examined the role, in terms of emergency planning and the Government interdepartmental working group, that the Army may have to play? Has he not even considered that or does he believe the Army will have a role next Tuesday?