Results 9,181-9,200 of 12,701 for speaker:Willie O'Dea
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is okay.
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I appreciate that Deputy Crawford has legitimate concerns about the closure of Monaghan barracks. I would prefer to be standing here saying no barracks will be closed.
- Defence Forces Remuneration. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The situation has changed considerably, as Deputy Deenihan is aware. We will not discuss that matter now. On negotiations, the Chief of Staff will tomorrow visit all of the barracks affected by the closures and speak with the relevant personnel by Friday at the latest. There is a compensation scheme for those who incur moving costs, including travel expenses and expenses associated with...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, comprising approximately 12,000 personnel. The RDF review implementation plan was formally launched in July 2004 and provides for the phased enhancement of reserve capabilities until the end of 2009. The plan set out the proposed establishment of the reserve. The non-integrated element of the reserve...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I deny that the Government has abandoned the reserve. Everyone understands that numerous savings across different sections and Departments are necessary given the current budgetary situation. Beyond the reserve, there has been a decline in the number of volunteers. This is affecting the reserve's numbers. Another impact stems from the active attempts to remove non-effective personnel from...
- Defence Forces Reserve. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Deputy Deenihan is correct that the response to date has been disappointing. Perhaps the requirements are too rigorous. However, there is no intention of abandoning the scheme. Instead, we are considering various ways of making it more attractive and easier for people to come forward.
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 42 together. Defence Forces married quarters are provided to serving members until their retirement or resignation. Defence Forces regulations state the quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service. The current situation has arisen as a result of a failure to do so. Following previous attempts to resolve the situation regarding the...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the first letter may have been a tad insensitive. When it was brought to my attention, a second letter issued. A meeting with the families is to take place towards the end of October. I am aware of the difficulties for people in securing loans in the current economic climate. I assure Deputies Deenihan and Andrews that I will instruct my officials to be...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Yes.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: On a point of order, Deputy Shatter has referred to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as a "gurrier". Does the Acting Chairman consider this in order? Will he give the Deputy an opportunity to withdraw the remark?
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: I have made a point of order.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: On a point of order, is there to be any sanction for a Deputy who refuses to obey a request from the Chair?
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Deputy Shatter should show some respect for the Chair.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The Deputy is abusing the House. A request was made to him by the Chair.
- Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: We will see about this.
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training and imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barracks management, administration, maintenance and...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: While I have not received an exact figure, I am advised that substantial cost savings will be achieved through the closures. Payments will reduce in respect of barrack guard duties, storage, utility costs, maintenance, heating and lighting etc. As I indicated, however, the main driver for the decision was that the Army was too widely dispersed over too many barracks, particularly in light...
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: It is advisable, when taking steps of this nature, to set a target date. Clearly if the process is not completed by the target date of 31 January 2009, it will be completed at a later date. However, I am assured by the military that it will be able to meet the date.
- Army Barracks. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: In so far as doing a U-turn is concerned, I note Deputy Deenihan's initial statement on the matter did not oppose the closure of the barracks. I do not know whether he supports or opposes the decision in principle. I am aware, however, that Deputy Bannon is opposed to the closures as he has tabled a motion requesting that I reverse the decision to close Connolly barracks. On the other...
- Defence Forces Recruitment. (22 Oct 2008)
Willie O'Dea: Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training. A key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence...