Results 4,161-4,180 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 370: To ask the Minister for Defence if the planned decentralisation of Defence Forces headquarters to the Curragh, County Kildare will proceed as planned; the progress that has been made on the new building to house the headquarters in the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25225/09]

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: In light of the Minister's removal of the moratorium on recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, does he intend to extend the principle and remove the moratorium on promotions within it, for example, fixed term promotions from second lieutenant to first lieutenant and from second private to third private? These are volunteers, not members of the public service, and their promotions...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I thank the Minister.

Defence Forces Reserve. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: We have touched on this matter in our previous supplementary questions to the Minister. It is important that he would make some progress on the RDF's promotional structure and on rewarding its volunteers. Reverting to Deputy Stanton's comments, there is a feeling that, due to the attitude taken towards the RDF in recent years, it is undervalued and that its role has been trivialised. This...

Defence Forces Reserve. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Is the Minister aware that a number of individuals who are anxious to get into the reserve force here are going north to join the reserve force of another country? They find there is easier access and that the security clearance is much easier. The point was made that the moratorium did not apply to the Garda Reserve force because it is a voluntary, non-remunerated position. It appears the...

Defence Forces Medical Corps. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 27: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans in view of the medical service review report conclusions (details supplied) for the implementation of the report; the resources he proposes to devote to the implementation of the report; the timeline he is working to in order to implement the recommendations of the report; his views on the report's conclusions; and if he will make a...

Defence Forces Medical Corps. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I welcome the report. I remind the Minister this was the first question I put when I became an Opposition spokesperson on defence. I am pleased the Minister has responded and set up and appointed a group of consultants to draw up a very comprehensive report. I believe the Minister would agree this is a damning report on the present level of health services to which our Defence Forces are...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 29: To ask the Minister for Defence if the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment in the Reserve Defence Forces will be extended to the Permanent Defence Force; if this will include the intake of a cadet class in 2009; the promotions within the PDF which have been agreed upon following his negotiations with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I welcome the fact that the Minister has confirmed that promotions will take place within the Defence Forces and that the moratorium does not affect promotions. As the Permanent Defence Force is a hierarchical organisation promotions are very important in the chain of command. Given that approximately 350 members of the Defence Forces will retire this year and others, because of uncertainty...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform succeeded in having three chief superintendents and ten superintendents of the Garda appointed, as a concession. Surely the Minister for Defence has the capability to achieve similar treatment for the Defence Forces. Surely he can use the Garda concession as a bargaining tool with the Minister for Finance.

European Defence Agency. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 30: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of projects and programmes entered into by Ireland through the European Defence Agency to date; the number which did not contribute to our ability to participate in United Nations mandated missions; if the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces was consulted prior to his decision to restrict Ireland's participation in the European...

European Defence Agency. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Can the Minister highlight the benefits to Ireland of EDA membership? This is important in view of the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Can he also highlight the impact of a possible EDA exit on Ireland's peace keeping missions? It was recently reported in the national media that the Government is preparing legislation to enable Ireland to opt in or out of the EDA. Could the Minister...

Overseas Missions. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 31: To ask the Minister for Defence if the problems associated with the supply of fuel to members of the Defence Forces in Chad have been resolved; the steps he has taken to ensure that said problems will not arise again; if the problems are not resolved, the timeline by which he expects them to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/09]

Overseas Missions. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I welcome the reply. Due to the logistical problems with the transfer of responsibility from the EUFOR mission to the UN the Irish mission was left cruelly exposed. It certainly was unable to carry out the duties for which it was sent to Chad and could not patrol to the same extent. Will the Minister confirm that the Irish mission is able to carry out the required number of patrols and...

Overseas Missions. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: As this is the last Question Time with the Minister before the summer recess, will he confirm that consideration is being given to the extension of the Irish mission in Chad? Given that the logistics are in place, there is a strong case to be made for that. There is also the fact that the Irish mission is performing efficiently and effectively in Chad and I understand it is the wish of the...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: I am sure the Minister realises this is the first time in our history there will be no Cadet School unless he is to change his mind. I appeal to him, that if he is to make exceptions this should be one of them. It probably will be, in any case, by the end of the summer. There are compelling reasons to support the taking in of the Cadet School for the future of our Defence Forces. In...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: In view of the fact that the Minister has removed the moratorium, albeit on a restricted level, on the Reserve Defence Forces, I have some specific questions. How will recruiting on a limited basis to the Reserve operate? This is very important. What number is envisaged will be recruited in 2009? How will the candidates for recruitment be identified and prioritised within the numbers of...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (23 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: There are over 1,000. Will the full number be taken on?

Order of Business (18 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: Will the Tánaiste confirm a report in The Irish Times yesterday that the Government has drafted legislation to be enacted in advance of the next Lisbon referendum ensuring that participation in European Defence Agency operations is subject to a Cabinet decision and Dáil approval? When will this legislation come before the Dáil?

Order of Business (18 Jun 2009)

Jimmy Deenihan: She has not. This is a different issue.