Results 13,081-13,100 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister will consult with the Secretary General who benefits from the collective wisdom of the Department and also with the Chief of Staff who represents the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. Therefore, everybody is being consulted. As a result of this reorganisation and other changes, at least 500 people will have the opportunity to apply to become full-time members of the...

Defence Forces Review (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister is awaiting the report from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General. They want to proceed with proper discussion of all the options and the necessary changes as expeditiously and as effectively as possible. I do not envisage a protracted delay.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá an Teachta as láthair inniú. Ní fheadar cén fáth.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: When the Government took the decision to close a number of military barracks, my colleague, the Minister for Defence asked his Department to enter into discussions with other Departments, local authorities, State agencies and community groups regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. In...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I heard the Deputy was watching us outside.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Reserve Defence Force is a very important part of the Army infrastructure. The Department has advertised as late as this week in its search for space adequate for its needs. A full-time barracks is staffed with full-time members of the Defence Forces. I am a former member of the Reserve Defence Force - as is Deputy Brendan Smith. I was a long-serving member of B Company, 8th Battalion...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would like to refresh the memories of Deputies opposite, in particular. Since 1998, ten barracks have been closed. In July 1998, the then Government, of which Deputy Smith was no doubt a Minister, announced the closure of six barracks, including Ballincollig and Fermoy in Cork, Devoy in Naas, Magee in Kildare, Castleblayney, which is in Deputy Smith's constituency, and Clancy in Dublin....

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am not finished. In 2009, the then Minister announced the closure of four barracks, including Monaghan in Deputy Smith's constituency, Lifford in Donegal, Longford in Deputy Troy's consistency, and Rockhill House in Donegal. Notwithstanding that-----

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: We are in this situation because of the policy of Deputy Smith's party in government and the way the economy was run.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: However, I will address this issue if I may. We all know of the issues along the Border and Deputy Smith and I, in particular, know there were significant events north of the Border which demanded that we needed such a response.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Thankfully, that is all over now. That is a very important issue. We must now reorganise our Defence Forces in a practical and realistic way. Irrespective of whether Deputy Smith believes it, we all know change must happen. Change is never easy but we must talk about the positives. In the reconstruction taking place, at least 500 young people will have the opportunity to become full-time...

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I apologise. I did not hear what the Deputy said.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I was listening but did not hear what the Deputy just said.

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I have not been asked that question officially and it is not on the Order Paper. I have not been briefed on it but I will ensure the Deputy gets a reply as quickly as possible because it is an important question and it should be fully and promptly responded to.

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: In 2006, a large military parade in Dublin marked the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Since then, a simple dignified military ceremony has taken place in front of the GPO each Easter Sunday. The ceremony starts at noon and lasts approximately 25 minutes. The President lays a wreath and the Taoiseach and the Minister for Defence also have officiating roles. The event involves...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The question I was asked is the one I am answering, namely, what happens annually. I do not wish to be rude but the Deputy might listen again to the key point in my response. I reiterate that there is an all-party group dealing with this issue. It is not only one side of the House, but all sides that will put their perspectives on the commemoration. The Defence Forces will have a critical...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: We are at cross purposes here. Question No. 11 asked about the role of the Defence Forces in the annual 1916 commemoration which I addressed; and the budget for the commemoration, which we discussed.

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is envisioned that the framework for commemorations of the decade of centenaries relating to the period 2012 to 2022 will be developed by officials and approved by Government. Particular commemorative initiatives and arrangements for them will be brought to the all-party group. That is the key point I wish to make. There has been a significant level of engagement with various interested...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: My point is, that is not what it is, lest there be any doubt about it on either side of the House. I am glad to hear the Deputy state that. There is no room in this country for militarism. What we want is unity, North and South. We have cohesion and contact, North and South, in a very progressive way. Long may it continue the way it is going.

Broadcasting Legislation (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Charles Flanagan for his comments. His clear message is that what makes sense should happen. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body, which has as one of its functions the preparation of broadcasting codes or rules. Accordingly, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has no function in this matter and his Department has...