Results 4,801-4,820 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Defence Forces Expenditure. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: I join with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, in wishing the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, a speedy recovery. Two years ago the Garda Commissioner was designated the Accounting Officer for the Garda Síochána. Why should the Chief of Staff not be designated as the accounting officer for the Defence Forces? This approach was recommended by the first efficiency...

Defence Forces Expenditure. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, said here last June that the individual responsible for the output must be responsible for the finance. That is a critical role. It is happening in the Garda and now also in the HSE. I also remind the Minister of State that delegation is not the same as being the Accounting Officer. I know that a new White Paper is being prepared. Can...

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence if all arrangements are in place for the deployment of Army personnel to Chad, including transport arrangements, helicopter backup, water supply and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/08]

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: In view of Lieutenant General Nash's appearance on the Late Late Show, surely he could also appear before our committee dealing with defence matters to bring us up to date with a special briefing. Surely that is as important as appearing on the Late Late Show. I am, therefore, requesting such a meeting. Having visited Africa on numerous occasions, the Minister of State is no doubt aware...

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: We have to depend on others.

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: What about Lieutenant General Pat Nash?

Overseas Development Aid. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 3: To ask the Minister for Defence if the level of funding available to the Defence Forces for humanitarian purposes will be increased for their various missions; if they could have access to overseas aid in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/08]

Overseas Development Aid. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: I am sure the Minister of State accepts €150,000 is a rather derisory figure in one sense. In Liberia, Kosovo, Lebanon and elsewhere the humanitarian element of the work of our missions has been hugely important. It has helped our troops gain the trust and confidence of local people. In Liberia and Kosovo the Defence Forces have built schools and hospitals and have been involved in other...

Overseas Development Aid. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: I am sure the Minister of State will agree that overseas aid agencies should not feel threatened by the Defence Forces carrying out this kind of work. If troops on missions are to integrate and communicate as much as possible with local communities, as is hoped in Chad, humanitarian work may help them maintain their security. Very worthwhile projects involving schools and hospitals are...

Defence Forces Allowances. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Defence when a decision will be made on the proposed increase in overseas allowances for the Defence Forces in view of the Chad mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/08]

Defence Forces Allowances. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Given that the Chad mission will be different from missions to Liberia, Bosnia or Lebanon because of the different terrain and the challenges it will face, surely a decision should be made on the overseas allowance before the Defence Forces go to Chad. As I understand it, a 5% offer is on the plate. To a private that would mean about €4, which is derisory. I understand that at a PDFORRA...

Defence Forces Allowances. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: It is not because they are going to Chad, I realise there are other missions, but could the overseas claim be determined as soon as possible to coincide with the mission to Chad?

Defence Forces Medical Service. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Another consultants' report will not solve the problem of getting personnel for the Army. They are probably looking at alternatives but I cannot see a consultants' report finding the solution. The patients charter was signed off last September, nine months ago, but nobody has seen it, including Army personnel. It has not been put on display anywhere. That is not good enough. The health...

Defence Forces Medical Service. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Regarding inducements to enter the military medical personnel corps, the availability of a crèche is a major issue for young married females. I tabled a question today on the availability of a crèche at the Curragh, the biggest centre, but nothing is happening. Ancillary facilities such as a crèche can provide an inducement for people to join the medical corps. I am aware of those who do...

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: On Question No. 14 and the issue of subsidised leave flights to Ireland, I understand that personnel who will not be on the mission in Chad will be in its headquarters for six months. It is to them I refer. Provision was made for such personnel in Liberia. The figure I have been given for the cost of a flight from Chad is approximately €1,800. There may be alternatives. Resupply...

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Deputy O'Shea referred to demarcation lines between the countries, but it is also important to have a clear demarcation between EUFOR and the historical French presence in Chad, which is supportive of President Déby, who is unpopular among many people. If there is any escalation in violence, we could be caught in the middle. It is important to avoid such a situation.

Overseas Missions. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Some will be in the headquarters.

Defence Forces Medical Service. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Does the Minister of State believe the Defence Forces have the capability to provide all their personnel with an annual medical examination at present? It is a simple question. Obviously, there is a difficulty if more than 2,000 personnel did not undergo a medical examination. The Minister of State will agree the health of the organisation is paramount and that each member of the Defence...

Schools Building Projects. (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important matter. The new Convent Primary School in Listowel opened in 1990 on a greenfield site. It was then an eight-classroom school with two existing prefabs on the site of the old school. The prefabs were demolished and removed in 2000 due to asbestos danger. The current primary school is unique in that it shares its campus...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Apr 2008)

Jimmy Deenihan: Ireland has a proud record in Europe and Europe has been good to us. We have received over €70 billion in aid over the years and this has benefited agriculture, roads, education, transport and almost every aspect of Irish life. We have paid approximately €19 billion to the EU so we have been net beneficiaries, something that is evident throughout the country. My party, Fine Gael, has...