Results 8,441-8,460 of 12,593 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Written Answers — Defence Forces Reserve: Defence Forces Reserve (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Reserve Defence Force Review implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of the Reserve over the period from 2004 to end 2009. Significant progress has been made to date in implementing the plan. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force, there has been increased investment in the Reserve with new equipment and clothing and...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I have just received, from the Defence Forces Partnership Steering Group, a Report which analyses the need and viability of a workplace child care facility in the Curragh Camp for members of the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. As I have not yet had an opportunity to consider the Report I am not in a position to comment further at this stage.

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions 448 and 450 together. I regularly meet with my EU colleagues in the context of the European Security and Defence Policy. Two (2) meetings of EU Defence Ministers are held during each six (6) monthly EU Presidency. These meetings present the opportunity to engage in discussions with my Defence colleagues from the other member States of the Union on issues of...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Number 449, 452, 454 and 455 together. As Minister for Defence, the health and safety of Defence Forces personnel and the provision of adequate training and equipment are of utmost importance to me. The Defence Forces complies with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007....

Written Answers — National Emergency Plan: National Emergency Plan (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Emergency planning in this country is developed on the ' lead department' principle. This means that each department is responsible for planning for emergencies that fall within its area of responsibility. National emergency plans are in place for a number of specific emergency scenarios such as a nuclear incident or an influenza pandemic. The Government Task Force for Emergency Planning...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Training: Defence Forces Training (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: Naval Service training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them under the White Paper on Defence. Priority is given to operational tasks in Ireland. However, the Naval Service also keeps abreast of developments at international level by regular attendance at training courses and seminars at home and abroad. This enables them to adjust their...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Training: Defence Forces Training (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 to 461, inclusive, together. The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. The number of staff to be relocated to...

Written Answers — Army Barracks: Army Barracks (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together. The cost arising from the barracks closures over 15 months, including the initial renovation works, is estimated at €3.2 million, against annual recurring savings of approximately €2.7million. Most of the costs at the level of the individual soldier are once off or short-term costs arising from payment of Change of Station Allowance...

Leaders' Questions (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: He would not want to tell the whole story about the Deputy.

Leaders' Questions (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: That would be a first.

Defence Forces Equipment. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: My understanding is that the 4% relates to a reduction in the payroll. No submissions or representations have been made to me to the effect that our lack of fighter aircraft interferes with training. A function of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is to act as an aid to the civil power, namely, the Garda Síochána. I presume that the Revenue Commissioners are included in this....

Defence Forces Equipment. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: As the Deputy may know, we stopped recruiting in late 2008. When people retire, they will not be replaced. Generally speaking, this is how we will proceed.

Defence Forces Equipment. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: At the moment.

Defence Forces Equipment. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I will get the exact figure for the Deputy, but the Air Corps is close to its authorised maximum figure.

Defence Forces Strength. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: The recent Government decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. The implications of the decision are under consideration by my officials in consultation with the military authorities and the Department of Finance. I am advised that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by the Government at home and...

Defence Forces Strength. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: There were a number of points. I understand the Deputy's comments on promotion. A question arises as to whether people who have gone through most of the promotional process, up to and including the medical stage, can be put through the system. This is a matter I will discuss with the Minister for Finance. No cadet intake is planned for this year-----

Defence Forces Strength. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: -----as matters stand. While Deputy Deenihan is aware there has been a cadet intake into the Army every year since the early 1980s, there is a recruitment embargo at present. Incidentally, a number of other issues arise in this regard, such as the question of fixed short-term contracts, when people have an expectation or commitment to go on to become full-time officers in the Army. I must...

Defence Forces Strength. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: I stated in my initial reply that I am quite satisfied and will ensure in my talks with the Department of Finance that the capacity of the Army to do its job, both as an aid to the civil power and in performance of its overseas duties, will not be materially affected by the recruitment embargo. As for cadet recruitment, I did not state there would not be a recruitment competition this year....

Defence Forces Strength. (6 May 2009)

Willie O'Dea: For the present.