Results 9,041-9,060 of 17,012 for speaker:Paul Kehoe

Other Questions: European Defence Action Plan (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: In conclusion, the network will support participating companies-----

Other Questions: European Defence Action Plan (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: -----in making applications.

Other Questions: European Defence Action Plan (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I agree with the Deputy opposite that this is a significant opportunity for Ireland. My Department will be assisting in every way possible. Beyond the Department of Defence, a range of other Departments and agencies, specifically Enterprise Ireland, are involved. While Ireland may not have an arms industry, a number of companies are involved in the development of new technologies and...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Properties (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: Gormanston Camp is, and will continue to be, an important operational military installation. There are no plans to change this. The camp is a vital training asset for the Defence Forces in respect of activities such as recruit and three star training, overseas pre-deployment training, small arms live fire training and live fire air defence training. Gormanston is currently the only site in...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Properties (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The Deputy has taken a keen interesting in Gormanston Camp for many years. He has often raised questions on the issue. Gormanston is a critical part of the Defences Forces' infrastructure and is used for important training. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's employment scheme was run out of Gormanston Camp in 2016. The camp offers capabilities and specific training facilities for...

Other Questions: Military Medals (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I assure the Deputy that I have considered every possible angle with a view to awarding medals to the personnel of A Company. There is no use in giving the Deputy a commitment that I will review this again and that the opinion will be changed because I do not believe that will happen. Again, I applaud the bravery of the men, in addition to the bravery of all the men and women of...

Other Questions: Air Corps Equipment (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The military authorities have advised me there was no delay in regard to the Air Corps response to the Health and Safety Authority report. On 21 October 2016, the HSA issued its report of inspection to the Air Corps. I am advised this was the only written report issued by the HSA on foot of three visits to Baldonnel during 2016. The report outlined a number of general improvements and...

Other Questions: Air Corps Equipment (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I assure the Deputy that I wrote to the Chief of Staff earlier this year looking for a report indicating all the recommendations of the HSA for the Air Corps are being implemented. I will forward the Deputy a copy of the exact timelines for implementation. I apologise for not having a copy with me. I should have had a copy with me. Most of the recommendations are to be implemented by May...

Other Questions: Air Corps Equipment (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I am aware that a number of litigation cases are pending, dating from the period since 1991. Two protected disclosures were received in my Department in December 2015 and one was received in January 2016. Since my appointment in May 2016, I appointed independent individuals to carry out a review. The first felt he had not the qualifications to carry out the review so another was appointed...

Other Questions: Army Barracks (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I will respond to the last question first. As stated as of 31 January 2017, I am actively progressing the sale of Mullingar barracks. As stated in my earlier reply, I will consider any proposal from any group, organisation or body in Mullingar or Westmeath for taking in charge of Mullingar barracks. As mentioned, the barracks has been vacant for almost five years. Every group and...

Other Questions: Military Medals (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: The issue of the award of medals to the men of A Company was comprehensively addressed in 1965. A properly constituted medals board considered the various cases presented and made a decision that no medals would be awarded. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the board and was satisfied with the findings. Subsequently, the question was raised again in a letter to a...

Other Questions: Military Medals (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I did meet the students on the day of the presentation of the 2016 medal in Galway barracks. I, too, acknowledge the leadership shown by the men of A Company under the leadership of Comdt. Pat Quinlan. As I stated, on two occasions a specially constituted medals board considered the various cases to present medals to these brave men. I also further considered the matter in 2016. None of...

Other Questions: Army Barracks (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 74 together. Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try to secure the long-term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Departments and other public bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited on numerous occasions to declare an interest in...

Other Questions: Army Barracks (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I instructed an official in the property section of my Department to attend the public meeting of the community group in question. It is highly unusual for a civil servant to attend a public meeting organised by political representatives but I asked an official to attend to listen to the views of local people. I understand it was agreed at the meeting that the community group would submit a...

Other Questions: Army Barracks (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: My Department wrote to the Department of Education and Skills and chief executive of Westmeath County Council. It has made numerous approaches to the county council on handing over the former Columb Barracks. The chief executive indicated the county council does not have any use for the barracks, although I am not sure if members of Westmeath County Council voted on the issue. It is wrong...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Deployment (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I assure the Deputy that the Government has a comprehensive Brexit plan in place. Once Article 50 is triggered, I assure her that we will be very much involved in the negotiations. Let me state, however, that on the Defence Forces side, the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations was a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme....

Other Questions: Defence Forces Investigations (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: It is Defence Forces policy that all personnel have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. While military life entails robust and effective military training, such training must take place in a professional service environment that fully respects individual human dignity....

Other Questions: Defence Forces Investigations (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I have taken a personal interest in bullying and harassment, be it sexual or otherwise. Since my appointment in May 2016, I have informed the general staff that all allegations are to be dealt with to the fullest. They are to be given every support possible and their cases must be dealt with speedily. If the Defence Forces do not deal with allegations speedily, others will be discouraged...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Investigations (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: I assure the Deputy that I get a quarterly report from the Chief of Staff regarding bullying and harassment cases. I would not know all of the individual cases. As the Deputy will understand, a large number of cases will be ongoing at any one time because the Defence Forces are a large organisation. While I do not intend to carry out a review of the procedures in place, I take a personal...

Priority Questions: Shannon Airport Facilities (15 Feb 2017)

Paul Kehoe: There has been no change. We are directed by An Garda Síochána to assist in aid to the civil power. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for the use of Shannon Airport and what flights go in and out of it. As I have repeatedly stated in the Chamber in response to Deputy Daly and other Deputies, we are requested by An Garda Síochána to assist in...