Results 61-80 of 83 for speaker:Michael Smith

Written Answers — Defence Forces Review: Defence Forces Review (17 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 211 together. On 15 January 2003 I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Forces review implementation board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the Reserve, which had reported to me in September 1999. The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three-brigade structure and a Defence...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (17 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: On 1 July 2003, the Government agreed that Gormanston Camp, County Meath, would be among the State lands released under the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. The intention is that this initiative will be targeted at those who in the past would have expected to purchase a house from their own resources but find that they are unable to do so in the current market. The release...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (17 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 150 on 16 December 2003 wherein I outlined the position in relation to restrictions on the use of land in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome. Following a review of the Department's safety policy regarding Casement Aerodrome in 1999 a revised policy statement, based on the recommendations of the consultants who conducted the review and having...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Personnel: Defence Forces Personnel (17 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: A certificate of service (LA89) is issued to all personnel on discharge from the Permanent Defence Force. This document contains all the relevant information pertaining to an individual's military service, including testimonials. It is not possible for a duplicate LA89 to be issued. However, a statement of service (AF643) may be issued on application to Other Ranks Administration Section,...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (10 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: Expenditure by my Department, including the Defence Forces, in 2002 and 2003 on advertising amounted to €1,438,722 and €799,545 respectively, as follows: Department Defence Forces 2002 2003 2002 2003 € € € € National press 62,527 52,640 314,851 112,190 Local press 38,746 36,900 46,136 7,444 National radio...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: I propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 233, 237, 239 and 240 together. As the Deputy is aware, the Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, would be among the State lands released to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. The intention is that this initiative will be...

Written Answers — Statutory Instruments: Statutory Instruments (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: My Department is reviewing its statutory instruments for compliance with the requirements of Bunreacht na hÉireann in the light of the recent High Court judgment concerning the Immigration Act 1999.

Written Answers — EU Presidency: EU Presidency (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: Promoting the Irish Presidency of the European Union to the public is a key priority of Ireland's EU Presidency programme and forms part of a wider commitment by the Government to communicating information about the EU to the public. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will provide a more detailed outline of plans in this regard in response to a similar question...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: The type of detailed statistical information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However I have asked that such information as may be available should be compiled as soon as possible and I will communicate directly with the Deputy at an early date.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: The Government has decided that my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff and Defence Forces headquarters should be decentralised to Newbridge and the Curragh respectively. A wide range of factors were taken into account and balanced against each other by the Government in selecting Departments and agencies for decentralisation and locations for the new decentralised offices. These...

Written Answers — Departmental Travel: Departmental Travel (3 Feb 2004)

Michael Smith: The amounts paid by my Department in 2003 in respect of civil and military personnel were €2.045 million in car mileage allowances and €609,000 for rail and bus ticket expenses.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: I thank the Seanad for the opportunity to outline the background to the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, and the reason the Government decided to respond positively to the invitation from the United Nations to provide a contingent.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: They do not compete with us on overseas programmes.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: The Senator was at risk.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: About 75% have previous experience.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: It was at this time of year.

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

Michael Smith: I never expect thanks for coming to the Seanad for any debate. I like coming back to this House, which is a special part of my experience. The unanimous support for an issue as important as Irish troops going to Liberia and the nice remarks made by every contributor about our Defence Forces is something I always want to hear. It will be possible to translate that good will into greater...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Army Barracks. (28 May 2003)

Michael Smith: I welcome the opportunity to outline the position regarding the FCA summer camps at Castlebar barracks. It is not my intention to close any Reserve Defence Force facility. A number of works were carried out at Castlebar barracks in 2002. These included the re-roofing of the dining hall at a cost of €37,000 and the upgrading of the dining hall and other areas at a cost of €73,000. These...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Army Barracks. (28 May 2003)

Michael Smith: I have given instructions that the work should be undertaken as speedily as possible. However, the sum of €140,000 that I mentioned relates to the temporary accommodation that would be required if the summer camp was to be held in Castlebar, which would be a waste of money. It would be better to make arrangements for Mullingar and use that money to improve the permanent accommodation in...

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Michael Smith: Do I need help? I think I am safe, even against the Senator.