Results 12,281-12,300 of 12,596 for speaker:Willie O'Dea

Search and Rescue Service. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I am not aware of any impasse between the Department of Defence and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Perhaps it existed before I came to this office. The short answer to the Deputy's question is that the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will have responsibility for funding this company. It will pay the company for the search and rescue...

Search and Rescue Service. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: The short answer is that we were in a position to help in the situation.

Search and Rescue Service. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: Ironically, the helicopter available for use by the Air Corps for search and rescue missions in the north west is the same one that will be used by the new company. The Air Corps leased the helicopter from that company, which has taken it back. The helicopter will be based at the same location and it would be an unnecessary duplication of service to base another Air Corps helicopter there. I...

Search and Rescue Service. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I do not accept the contract was terminated based on a dubious premise. The difficulties with the winch crew resulted in a major outbreak of the Army version of "blue flu" when many people went sick simultaneously. People are entitled to do that, but the Deputy referred to a temporary industrial relations difficulty. Temporary difficulties can recur and it is impossible to guarantee they will...

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together. A significant achievement of the Irish Presidency in the development of the European Security and Defence Policy was the agreement of a new headline goal with a horizon of 2010, as approved by the European Council in June 2004. Reflecting the European security strategy, which was presented to the European Council in December 2003 by the...

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I am considering it, but have not yet made a decision.

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I thank Deputy Gormley for his kind words of congratulation that I deeply appreciate. My understanding is that there is no obligation on Ireland to participate in this though I will double check for the Deputy. On costs, we operate on the principle that they lie where they fall. If we contribute to a particular mission, we bear the cost. In future, there could be a question of common costs...

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I do not agree. The issue here is the supply of personnel for peacekeeping missions whether the request is made by the United Nations directly or indirectly through the European Union. I do not see what is the difference in substance.

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I do not see European Governments involving themselves in the level of expenditure on weapons and military capability that would make them an effective counterweight to the United States of America in our lifetime. On pre-emptive action, Deputy Gormley may or may not be aware that a capability conference will take place in Brussels in November which I hope to attend on behalf of the...

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: One can say what one wishes, but the ultimate shape of the rapid response force will be decided by the defence Ministers of the member states of the European Union. We have decided nothing yet.

Defence Forces Equipment. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 35 together. The procurement process for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps is progressing well. This major investment programme will involve the acquisition of six helicopters. It is proposed to purchase two light utility helicopters, primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes, and four larger utility helicopters to support the...

Defence Forces Equipment. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: Deputy Sherlock asked an important question. I guarantee the purchase will take place. The tender process is well under way. As far as I am aware, the 2002 proposal related to the purchase of medium lift helicopters. That proposal was dropped as a result of a demand for savings across various Departments. The Department of Defence made its decision in that regard in the interests of the...

Defence Forces Equipment. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: There are many other VIPs besides Ministers in the country. As I understand it, helicopters will only be available to Ministers when absolutely necessary. They will not be used by Ministers as a general tool of transport.

Defence Forces Equipment. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: The term VIP covers a broad range of people such as the Chief of Staff and Army top brass. I do not know exactly to whom the term VIP refers but I will make inquiries for the Deputy.

Defence Forces Equipment. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: There are very few VIPs in Limerick. On Deputy McGinley's point, I am not aware of the confrontation between the Government and company concerned as it happened well before my time. I am, however, aware that Sikorsky is one of the companies that has tendered for the supply of the six helicopters. The tenders are being evaluated by designated persons and it is intended that a contract will be...

Departmental Expenditure. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: Based on GNP figures received from the Central Statistics Office gross expenditure on defence was 1.3% in 1994 and not 1.6% as indicated in the Deputy's question. The level of expenditure on defence in any particular country is influenced by a variety of factors, including the country's political and security environment, its history, demography and economy. There has been an unprecedented...

Departmental Expenditure. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I am amazed that Deputy Gormley is concerned about the reduction in expenditure on defence. There is no comparison between the United States and Ireland in that regard.

Departmental Expenditure. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: I thought the Deputy was worried that the percentage is decreasing. Looking at overall expenditure on defence in the context of the budget, we were able to reduce expenditure as a percentage of GDP because we had money coming in from savings as a result of reductions in personnel and the sale of surplus property. Defence expenditure would not have made any major difference to our economic...

Air Corps Strength. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: The most important defence against terrorist attacks is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána. The various components of the Defence Forces are...

Air Corps Strength. (12 Oct 2004)

Willie O'Dea: The primary responsibility in the event of a terrorist attack lies with the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces would come in response to a request for assistance. We have a limited air defence capacity but the events of 11 September showed that countries that spend a fortune on air defence cannot guarantee protection. Small countries do not spend resources that could be used for other...