Results 6,401-6,420 of 8,984 for speaker:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Other Questions: Garda Resources (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: What I found really interesting, and which may not be commonly understood by the public, is that one presumes air support is to back up a Garda pursuit but it is used for all sorts of support to the Garda. It is the eyes in the air providing crucial intelligence. I will not get into it but the criminals need to be very worried about the technology it provides to assist gardaí on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 2. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will dispel concerns that the proud tradition of positive neutrality of this State will not be undermined as part of the process of developing the White Paper on Defence. [52920/13]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Recently a Red C poll revealed that eight of ten respondents favoured the retention of neutrality, which is a proud tradition. The Minister will be aware of concerns at the beginning of the receipt of submissions on the White Paper on Defence. I would like him to take the opportunity to allay those concerns and to reaffirm the principle of neutrality on behalf of the Irish people.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: First, Ireland is in a strong position to play a positive role in global conflicts through its neutrality. We are proud of the role our peacekeeping forces play in blue helmet operations on an ongoing basis. Second, with regard to conflict resolution, the lessons of our own peace process are being utilised across the world, most recently in Colombia. These lessons had a huge impact and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: The Minister is one of the greatest talents I have ever seen at answering a question he has not been asked. He has an incredible talent for going off on a different tangent.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: White Paper on Defence (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: There are three positive pillars of neutrality of which we are deeply proud in this country. We do not need to open Shannon Airport for aircraft to refuel and restock on their way to operations that are not backed by the international community and we do not need to be involved in military alliances. With regard to combatting the changed threat of terrorism, there is a range of exchanges...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: UN Missions (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 16. To ask the Minister for Defence if, in the wake of the recent violent attack on Irish troops serving in the Golan Heights, he believes that Irish troops are now being viewed as a legitimate target for anti-government rebel attacks; if the attack has changed any security procedures on the ground; and if he will now review his decision to send troops to serve on this mission. [52775/13]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Deployment (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 23. To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the recent violent attack by Malian Government soldiers on protesters in the rebel held north east of the country; that Turaeg rebels have ended their ceasefire agreement with the Government as a result; and if he has any plans to withdraw Irish troops serving in the country. [52776/13]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps Equipment (11 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 25. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to upgrade the range of aircraft available to the Defence Forces Air Corps. [52778/13]

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Does the Taoiseach see the men of violence all around him? He should look at all those statues.

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Is the Taoiseach taking up the offer?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 70. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when he plans to bring the mediation Bill before Dáil Éireann and if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this Bill for many families across the State. [52792/13]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: In terms of reducing costs, this Bill is even more important than the Legal Services Regulation Bill, because it should encourage those in conflict over issues of family law or civil law to engage in mediation at an early stage rather than incurring the excessive costs of going through the courts. What are the Minister's plans and how can we move this on?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: The Minister will agree that the sooner this is under way the better. Right now the courts system is clogged up, which increases the sense of dispute and grievance between the various parties. In family law cases children can be caught into it, as the anger, resentment and hurt continues for people beyond the point that it should or is necessary. The legal fraternity has, unfortunately,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: We are on the same page on this. There have been problems in clearing Bills through the Office of the Attorney General. While I accept the Legal Services Regulation Bill is very large, it has run on and on. I am absolutely certain the Minister will have full support across the House. I ask the Minister to exercise whatever influence he has in government in prioritising Bills to ensure the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Law Reform Proposals (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: As the Minister is aware, a huge amount of work went into this report. There were approximately 800 submissions as a range of people appeared before the joint committee. It is an all-party report and the Minister will agree that, at present, those who avail of the services of prostitutes throughout Ireland walk away scot free, while the unfortunate people - very often foreign nationals -...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Law Reform Proposals (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: God almighty.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Law Reform Proposals (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Obviously I am aware of the Minister's concerns or the clarifications he sought from the joint committee to which he now has the responses. I believe these responses deal adequately with the concerns he has raised and there comes a point in time at which one must make the decision. In the North of Ireland at present, a Bill sponsored by Maurice Morrow will be moving through the Assembly and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Law Reform Proposals (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: 67. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to implement the recommendations from the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality regarding changes to prostitution laws. [52790/13]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Law Reform Proposals (10 Dec 2013)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: In 1981, ten men died on hunger strike in order that they could not be labelled as criminals. Bobby Sands was elected as an MP. Kieran Doherty was elected as a Member to this House. We did not let Maggie Thatcher criminalise them and we are not going to let Fianna Fáil criminalise them today. I wanted to stated that on the record in case they think any differently. The Minister has...