Results 70,961-70,980 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 158: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the disposal of all of the military installations decommissioned in 1998; the total receipts on foot of sale or lease in the interim; the total costs of maintenance, security and other costs throughout the period; the likely developments in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26120/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 159: To ask the Minister for Defence if all of the equipment issued to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps is in keeping with the highest international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 161: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all the equipment currently issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26123/05]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 160: To ask the Minister for Defence if Irish troops are likely to train alongside other European defence forces in anticipation of participation in rapid response action, PfP and battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26122/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 162: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the equipment issued to the Defence Forces has been upgraded to cater for such issues as natural disasters, terrorist and gas attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26124/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 164: To ask the Minister for Defence the number and location at which Ireland's Defence Forces are serving overseas; the possible demand in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26126/05]

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 178: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the position in respect of local authority housing applicants, who are purchasing subsidised sites from the various local authorities with the objective of identifying the precise amount of subsidy or the removal or reduction of the 20 year claw-back; and if he will make a statement on the...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I am impressed by my colleague's knowledge of the whereabouts of all these military attachés. I could not even attempt to compete with that.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Will the Minister of State give some indication of the purpose of the Bill? There is no explanatory memorandum and I am uncertain of its function and context. In dealing with any legislation, it is important that Members should have some type of briefing as to its impact and the reasons for its introduction. Have there been abuses of the system whereby, for example, diplomatic immunity was...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It was wise for the Minister of State to do so. The football and hurling seasons have come to a satisfactory conclusion from the point of view of all concerned. I am sure it was a Freudian slip.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The Vienna Convention also affords the premises of an embassy of a foreign country or international organisation freedom from taxation. I presume these and other inviolabilities outlined by the Minister of State, including the inviolability of archives and official documents and of the person of the diplomatic or official officers of the foreign state or international organisation in...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Absolutely. Everybody was there and Ireland was well represented. I was particularly impressed by the diplomatic——

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The wine was on a par with most. Deputy McGrath would recognise a good wine.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It is merely the convivial nature of the conversation. I was most impressed by the degree to which members of the Irish Embassy and the trade mission were alert and worked from early morning until late at night. They were able to make presentations instantly, were professional in the way they did business and competed more effectively then many other delegations. People should write about...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I would be quite glad to accompany him there on a return visit.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The Deputy will not have to worry about the wine in that case. My praise applies to all our embassy staff. I have seen their work first hand. The current situation is different to that of 30 years ago. They are much more professional, incisive and fearless in the way they go about their business. Credit should be given where it is due. Those who have provided these services over the years...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I was wondering if the Deputy would enlighten the House.

Overseas Missions. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 165: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the debate on Ireland's participation in a European rapid response force has evolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/05]

Defence Forces Strength. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 155: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Force and the Army reserve by rank and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26116/05]

Defence Forces Strength. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 163: To ask the Minister for Defence if the current and anticipated strength of the Permanent Defence Force is adequate to meet current home and overseas commitments; the way in which this will develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/05]