Results 61-80 of 704 for speaker:Cathal Berry

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: 172. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence in light of commitments given on military housing by the Tánaiste last year, what the plan is for the currently unoccupied houses in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3797/24]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I wish to make some general points about head 25, if that is okay.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: Are they in favour of this?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I am clear on head 25.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: We skipped head 34 and I wanted to come in on that. It deals with the re-engagement of personnel. There is mention of increasing the retirement ages and from this committee's point of view, it is important to hammer that message home. It does not make a whole lot of sense, if An Garda Síochána is allowing people to join at the age of 50, for the Defence Forces to make people...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (30 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: To back up Deputy Cronin, there was a suggestion that the retirement ages were going to be increased soon. Would our guests have any update on that and the timeline for implementation? I know there are lots of people in the corporal and sergeant ranks across the Defence Forces who are approaching 50. They are concerned about where they are going to be, career-wise, in the next five years...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Schemes (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: Is there a supplementary question?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Schemes (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: The Deputy only has 60 seconds.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Functions (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I will give the very last word to the Minister.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: 4. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a risk assessment has been carried out on the impact to Irish troops and diplomats in the Middle East should Ireland formally support South Africa's Gaza case before the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3483/24]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: Has a formal risk assessment been carried out on the likely impact to our diplomats and peacekeeping troops in the Middle East if Ireland chooses and opts to join South Africa in its case in the ICJ on the Gaza and Palestinian question?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I understand and I thank the Tánaiste for the update. I was not aware that tomorrow was likely-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I agree with the sentiments expressed. The concept I am trying to introduce is that there are consequences to our actions. I am not sure that has been factored into the debate over the past number of weeks. We should always be mindful of the second and third order effects. We do not want to compromise our other vital operations in the Middle East. I know South Africa has no troops in the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I also agree. If Ireland's response is part of a wider grouping like the EU or the international community I anticipate there would be no adverse effects. However, if we choose to go unilaterally we must expect consequences. In a similar vein there is also the question of sanctions if Ireland were to unilaterally sanction Israel. Has any...

Tribunal of Inquiry into certain matters relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces: Motion (24 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I am grateful for the opportunity to make some very brief comments on the tribunal being established. I also welcome the Defence Forces veterans to the Gallery. They are hugely welcome, as well they know. I welcome the establishment of the tribunal. It cannot come soon enough as far as I am concerned. I note the comments from Deputy O'Callaghan on the terms of reference. The...

Post-European Council Meeting: Statements (24 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I am grateful for the opportunity to make some comments on the most recent European Council meeting, which was held before Christmas. I will focus on three areas, namely, Ukraine, the Middle East and the migration issue that was discussed. From a Ukrainian perspective, I am glad there is general consensus at the EU. Obviously, there are a couple of outlying EU states at the moment, but...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Ireland's SIDS Strategy, Impact of Climate Change and Update on Development Co-operation: Department of Foreign Affairs (23 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I thank Mr. Gaffey and his team for coming in and for their detailed opening statement. I welcome the people in the Public Gallery. The best thing about being on a committee is that you do not come in with a fixed position. Keeping an open mind, you learn a lot from the people who make presentations. I have an observation. This is exactly where we need to be. I commend everyone...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Ireland's SIDS Strategy, Impact of Climate Change and Update on Development Co-operation: Department of Foreign Affairs (23 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: Thank you.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: I associate myself with some of the kind comments made this morning about Private Seán Rooney on the first anniversary of his death. I also convey my deepest sympathies to his family and wish Trooper Shane Kearney a speedy recovery who was seriously injured during the incident. This time last year, three investigations were launched to look into the incident, one by the United...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: The investigations into the killing of Private Seán Rooney.