Results 8,341-8,360 of 17,012 for speaker:Paul Kehoe

Written Answers — Department of Defence: EU Funding (12 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The European Commission published a number of documents on 7 June 2017. These included a communication proposing the establishment of a European Defence Fund and a proposal for a Regulation to establish a European Defence Industrial Development Programme (DIDP). The purpose of the Defence Fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: European Defence Agency (12 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The PESCO criteria set out in Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol 10 annexed to the Lisbon Treaty, outlines the general guidance on participation in PESCO. Member States have to be both willing and able to contribute forces to the EU, participate in equipment programmes and European Defence Agency (EDA) activities, participate in EU Battlegroups, invest in defence equipment, improve interoperability...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Foreshore Licence Applications (12 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 500 together. In March 2016 my Department was advised by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government that they had received a foreshore lease application from the Marine Institute for the testing of prototype wind, wave and tidal energy devices at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site. My Department’s views on...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (12 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I have been advised by the Military Authorities that to collate the figures requested by the Deputy would require a Medical Officer(s) to examine the medical files of all Defence Forces personnel that travelled to malaria prone areas within the period of time specified. Due to the scope of the request and the demands it would place on already limited resources, I regret that it is not...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Brexit Documents (12 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The outcome of the vote of 23 June 2016 in the UK leading to the triggering of Article 50 by the UK in March 2017 does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement in the EUs Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). That said, given the significant role the UK has played in relation to the evolution of CSDP, it is...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The choice of medication is a matter for the medical professionals within the Defence Forces, namely, the medical officers. It is not up to Members of Dáil Éireann to decide on what is the most appropriate medication to be taken in sub-Saharan Africa. All personnel are screened prior to deployment to ensure they are suitably fit for whatever medication is prescribed. It is the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: It would be totally inappropriate for me to comment on the decision-making of the medical professionals within the Defence Forces. Prior to deployment, all personnel are screened as to the medication it is most suitable to prescribe for them. If there are issues around the medication prescribed during deployment, that is a matter for the medical professionals who will take the most...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As I have stated, the Department of Defence, in conjunction with the Defence Forces, made a submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. This is specifically mentioned by the commission in paragraph 6.13 of the report. Following the publication of the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on 9 May 2017, the Government initiated negotiations on an extension to the Lansdowne Road...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: Prior to the recent pay talks I spoke to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, asking that PDFORRA and RACO be very much involved in the pay talks, and they were present for the full duration of the talks. PDFORRA signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement in March and its members will have significant salary increases. The benefits which accrue to PDFORRA members...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I am not sure the Deputies are aware that a committee has been set up by the Department of Justice and Equality with a representative from the Department of Defence. We are keeping abreast of anyone getting rights on industrial relations. There were also side deals for members of the Defence Forces and the new Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was negotiated recently,...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The State Claims Agency is currently managing 55 claims which have been made by members and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a result of their consumption of mefloquine, also known as Lariam. The first was scheduled to be heard in the High Court on 4 July 2017 and has now been adjourned to 3 November 2017. The question raised by the Deputy would engage me...

Other Questions: Air Corps Operations (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The buck will always stop at the Minister's desk, but I am glad that the Deputy has said that I did not destroy the reports. I absolutely did not destroy the reports. I had not seen any of these reports, and I have stated to both Deputies that I have written to the Chief of Staff, who has primary responsibility for the Defence Forces. These reports were carried out under the auspices of...

Other Questions: Common Security and Defence Policy (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I presume that the Deputy is alluding to an article in of 22 June, following the European Council of the same date. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions within the EU in the area of defence and security take place in the context of the Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, including at regular meetings of Heads of State and Government. The European Council of 22 June last reviewed...

Other Questions: Common Security and Defence Policy (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I know the Deputy has concerns. He has raised these concerns with me on numerous occasions. We operate within the structures of common security and defence. Any contribution I make at EU level always comes back to Ireland's neutrality. Our policy on neutrality, in any decision we make as a Government in the future, will not be compromised in any way. It is a primary concern for me at EU...

Other Questions: Common Security and Defence Policy (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: If the Deputy looks at any of the contributions I have made at those meetings, it is clear that I have no issue with being out in the wilderness. I also, however, look for inclusiveness in any of the policies going forward, be it permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, the co-ordinated annual review of defence, CARD, or any decision making relating to common security and defence. Our...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Deployment (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I will state again that no mission comes without its dangers and I do not believe it would be in the best interests of peacekeeping to pull members of the Irish Defence Forces out of the Golan Heights. I believe they are doing very important work there on an ongoing basis. To respond to Deputy Chambers, I received a brief from the general staff on the ongoing situation regarding UNDOF and...

Other Questions: Air Corps Operations (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As I have previously indicated to the Deputy, I was advised by the military authorities that a report on measuring carbon monoxide fumes from aircraft was complied by Forbairt in 1995. A further report on monitoring air contaminants in workshops in 1997 was also compiled by Forbairt. Unfortunately, following an extensive search and the military authorities having consulted with...

Other Questions: Air Corps Operations (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As I have stated, I have written to the Chief of Staff and asked him to investigate the reports that were alleged to have been carried out by Forbairt. I await his reply but I note in the reply to a parliamentary question given earlier today that Deputy Ó Snodaigh has stated he has copies of some of the reports. I do not have copies of those reports but I would very much appreciate...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Deployment (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I answered questions from the media on this last week. I was asked a number of frank questions and I responded to them. No member of the Opposition contacted me to outline their concerns about what happened last week. Our ability to protect the health and safety or our personnel is my paramount concern when considering any mission and it is policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces...

Other Questions: Military Medals (11 Jul 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The Cabinet and I decided on 13 June last to award medals to the men of A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to the next of kin of deceased members in full and due recognition and in honour of the courageous actions of the men during the siege at Jadotville in September 1961. This decision fully recognises their bravery and courage during the unique circumstances of the siege of...