Results 8,941-8,960 of 12,631 for speaker:Willie O'Dea
- Defence Forces Accommodation. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Has the Deputy seen them?
- Defence Forces Accommodation. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I invite the Minister to visit the barracks.
- Defence Forces Accommodation. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I will find that out for the Deputy. The matter has been brought to my attention by this parliamentary question. I do not have the information but I will get it to him and let him know.
- Reserve Defence Force. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan provides for a phased approach to enhancing the capabilities of the reserve over the period to the end of 2009. The introduction of new RDF organisational structures, the development of new training syllabi, improved equipment and clothing have successfully been delivered as part of phase 1 of the plan. Phase 2 of the implementation plan...
- Reserve Defence Force. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I do not disagree with the Deputy about using the first line reserve if the integrated reserve concept does not work but, as he will be aware, the changes in the reserve were to take place over a number of phases. The first phase comprised additional training, radical changes in the organisational structure, additional equipment, changes in the gratuity system and so on. All those have been...
- Reserve Defence Force. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Is the Deputy referring to the first line reserve?
- Reserve Defence Force. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: As the House will be aware, the implementation report made various recommendations about pay and conditions, recruitment, training and the relationship between the first line reserve and the Army reserve and Naval Service reserve. The military authorities had reservations about some of these recommendations, on which they are working. They will present me with their final recommendations as...
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The Gulfstream IV entered MATS service in 1991 and has accumulated an average of 660 flying hours a year since then. It is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended overhaul and maintenance cycle. This is a practice common to all Air Corps aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary wing. Requisite inspections and checks are carried out at various specified intervals, depending...
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is important I clarify the situation for the benefit of the House. The immediate answer to the Deputy is that no major fault showed up, to the best of my knowledge. However, as the Deputy may be aware, there was an incident relating to the Government jet on its return from Tbilisi last week. While the aircraft was on the runway, one of the warning lights indicated an hydraulic fault....
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I do not know the normal number of flying hours ratcheted up during the lifetime of a jet. However, I know this jet has been put to maximum use. The wiring system and the hydraulics are under examination. I understand a replacement part is needed and that it is being fitted. For the benefit of the House, I repeat that there is routine maintenance of the aircraft in accordance with well...
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I understand that, as does the Air Corps. I do not know if the Deputy is suggesting we acquire a new Government jet, which would beââ
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: That is being done.
- Ministerial Transport. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is usual to replace the interior once every five years, or seven years at the most. It has not been replaced since 1991. The cost of a new interior, as publicly announced, is approximately â¬3.5 million but we have managed to get away with spending â¬426,000 and still make it look new. We are doing everything possible to save money in the interests of the country.
- Defence Forces Equipment. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Arising from an accident involving a troop carrying vehicle in Granard, County Longford in June 2007, a study group was formed to advise on the introduction of a roll-over protection system for troop carrying vehicles incorporating roll bars and safety belts. The total requirement identified by the study group included the fitting of the system to 135 trucks. The fleet is made up of four...
- Defence Forces Equipment. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: To give Deputy O'Shea an idea of what we are dealing with, the systems for safety of trucks are in the process of being developed. Many of them are at the research and development stage. There are a number of suppliers and we must deal with all of them. We must get the proper equipment for the particular type of truck. There are four different types of truck in the Army. I am sure...
- Defence Forces Equipment. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I agree with Deputy O'Shea and this is exactly what I am saying. We will lead the field in this regard. There is no one size fits all system but what is encouraging is that testing has already begun. A number of systems will be fitted to other trucks during the coming weeks. After the initial teething difficulties we are well on the way and it is our intention to provide a safe system for...
- Army Barracks. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 74, 75, 79, 94, 116, 121, 123, 125, 130 and 132 together.
- Army Barracks. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 74, 75, 79, 94, 116, 121, 123, 125, 130 and 132 together. The military authorities have conducted a detailed review of the immediate requirements to enable the closure of the relevant barracks and the redeployment of personnel to their new locations. In addition, medium-term capital works required in Athlone, Dundalk and Finner, to accommodate the...
- Army Barracks. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I am sure Deputy McHugh is not suggesting we could make savings by leaving alone the number of barracks, even though there are clearly too many for an army the size of the Irish Army. We are closing four of the seven barracks in the Border region. This is because the threat justifying the establishment of those barracks has disappeared. As far as I am aware, the British army has closed or...
- Army Barracks. (26 Nov 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I intended to address that point earlier when it was mentioned by Deputy O'Shea. Although I am certain no one in the House believes it, we cannot work on the assumption that the economy will never recover. Of course the economy will recover. We are under no obligation to rush out and sell those sites immediately. However, I understand from some of my officials that we have received some...