Results 521-540 of 1,028,016 for in 'Dáil debates' OR (speaker:Damien English OR speaker:Thomas Gould OR speaker:Brendan Howlin) in 'Committee meetings'

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Apprenticeship Programmes (23 May 2024)

Mairead Farrell: The Minister was just talking about capacity issues. One of the big things in terms of capacity is to make sure we have the workforce that can build the different projects that we need, particularly when it comes to accommodation needs. That is why I would like the Minister to outline what progress is being made at the moment with regard to the current challenges in the apprenticeship...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I move amendment No. 1: In page 6, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following: “Command of the Defence Forces 6. The Principal Act is amended by the substitution of the following section for section 17: “Command of the Defence Forces 17. Command of the Defence Forces is exercisable as follows: (a) the supreme command of the Defence Forces vested in the...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I welcome the Tánaiste's commentary. I welcome the fact that he recognises that this is an issue that should be put right. Most people who look at it forensically - I have not done so previously - would see it as a demeaning set of circumstances. That the Minister can direct flag officers of the navy or battalion commanders of our Army in a way the Chief of Staff cannot is a bizarre...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: The Tánaiste does not intend to become a general himself and direct the Army.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I talked about.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I am very satisfied with that response from the Tánaiste. I thank him for it. I look forward to the next legislation. On that basis, I will withdraw my amendment.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I move amendment No. 2: In page 9, lines 10 and 11, to delete “in relation to a political matter or matter of Government policy” and substitute “in relation to a matter of political controversy”. Section 11 relates to section 103 of the principal Act and sets out limitations on the actions of members of the Defence Forces. My amendment deals with the...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: The electoral aspect. The word "political" involves a big agenda; that is the issue.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Very spancelled association.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: It also states "or otherwise making himself or herself identifiable as a member of the Permanent Defence Force".

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Controversy.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I do not think so.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Deputy Stanton asked a question about permission of one's commanding officer being a get-out-of-jail card.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: It is not in law.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Is it a statutory instrument?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: Are they statutory instruments, however?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 May 2024)

Brendan Howlin: I think Deputy Carthy is right. There is not a fundamental principle difference at all between us; rather, the difference relates to how it is to be implemented. I do not think that is a small matter because, as has been referenced, the biggest issue we have relates to recruiting and retaining members, and we should not be perceived in any way as being restrictive. It runs counter to the...