Results 8,561-8,580 of 17,012 for speaker:Paul Kehoe

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Reserve (23 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I am informed by the military authorities that the Lieutenant to Captain competition for the RDF is currently ongoing and that it is expected that this competition will be concluded by the end of Q3 2017. It is intended to conduct further RDF promotion competitions, including Captain to Commandant, in Q4 2017. I remain committed to the ongoing development of the Reserve Defence Force in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Pensions (23 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: Under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces Pension Schemes, in the case of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Privates, 21 years is the minimum service required for an immediate pension and gratuity, regardless of age. Maximum retirement benefits accrue after 31 years. The 21-year pension, which varies according to retiring rank and other factors, is payable for the person’s lifetime....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (23 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: Actions are underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. Air Traffic Control training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of Air Traffic Control services in Baldonnel are being identified and a mentor is also now in place to aid the newly appointed ATC Squadron Commander in Baldonnel. These measures will facilitate a...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Representative Organisations (18 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: In relation to the right to trade union status for the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, I wish to advise that under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Forces Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with, or affiliated to any trade unions, or any other body. Accordingly, the Representative Associations cannot be affiliated...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Expenditure (18 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The Defence Forces budget and expenditure on information technology in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 is outlined in the table below . Budget Exp Budget Exp Budget Exp Budget Exp Budget Exp Budget Exp End April €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Expenditure (18 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As outlined in the Governments White Paper on Defence 2015, Cyber attacks have very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic well-being and for the security and safety of citizens. The response to cyber threats remains a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment having the lead role. The...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (18 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: For security and operational reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific cyber capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (18 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As the Deputy will be aware, the Air Corps operates two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which are unarmed aircraft and primarily used for sea fisheries protection and maritime patrolling. They are also on occasion tasked with providing support such as military transport to the wider Defence Forces.  It is a condition of diplomatic clearance that the Air Corps pass details, via the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: My understanding is there are two such applications, one of which is in the Air Corps. My understanding is that it is from a pilot. The other is in the Army where there is a specific need in the context of EODS. As I mentioned, there are various elements to be considered in devising arrangements for re-engagement. I have instructed both the Secretary General of my Department and the Chief...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As I stated in my original reply, I am advised by the Defence Forces' medical policy that the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis is in line with United Nations and World Health Organization guidelines. I have listened to the views of the Deputies on a number of occasions. However, I have been informed by management of the Defence Forces organisation that Lariam is the most appropriate...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: There are no plans to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to members of the Defence Forces. As I have indicated, it remains in the formulary of medications prescribed by the medical corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions to ensure they have effective protection against the very serious risks posed by malaria. The use of and the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The advice is that it is the best anti-malarial drug available for use by members of the Defence Forces.

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service members, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. On an ongoing basis the manpower requirements of the Defence Forces are monitored in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I am engaged in continuous negotiations with PDFORRA specifically on that issue. On facilitating a return of ex-service members and particularly officers to the Defence Forces, I have directed both the Secretary General of my Department and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to carry out a scoping exercise and return to me with some proposal that has been negotiated with the...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The primary purpose for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to enhance the capability of the Irish Defence Forces and to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops on domestic operations and overseas peace support operations. The White Paper on Defence identified, as key operational priorities, the replacement of major equipment platforms...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: Over the last number of years, the Government has invested €250 million in the ships replacement programme. At the moment, our armoured personnel carriers are being refurbished at a total value of €55 million. We have also issued a tender for the replacement of the Cessna aircraft in the Air Corps. It is important in any investment we make in the Defence Forces that there is...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Equipment (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: We will stick to our neutrality policies when operating with other countries. To respond to Deputy Durkan, when I go abroad and visit our troops, whether in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, or in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, we are the envy of other countries when it comes to our equipment, the level of equipment we have and the value for...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Medicinal Products (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 74 together. Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. As reported by the World Health Organization, it is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications...

Other Questions: Air Corps (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I may come back to the Deputy on the issue because I am in no way qualified to answer the question of whether Cessna aircraft would be able to put out gorse fires. A service level agreement is in place with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport which is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard service. We offer backup or top cover on an availability basis to that Department for the...

Other Questions: Civil Defence (17 May 2017)

Paul Kehoe: As Minister of State with responsibility for defence, I provide policy direction for Civil Defence and oversee the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. At local level, Civil Defence units are based in each local authority area under the operational control of the relevant local authority. On a day-to-day basis, these units operate under the control of a Civil...