Results 501-520 of 1,157,234 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' (speaker:John Carty OR speaker:Roderic O'Gorman OR speaker:Kieran O'Donnell OR speaker:Seán Fleming OR speaker:Mary Lou McDonald OR speaker:Darren O'Rourke OR speaker:Martin Heydon OR speaker:Francis Noel Duffy OR speaker:Imelda Munster OR speaker:Matt Shanahan OR speaker:Ivana Bacik OR speaker:Jennifer Whitmore OR speaker:Ossian Smyth OR speaker:Michael Healy-Rae OR speaker:Jackie Cahill OR speaker:Simon Harris OR speaker:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn OR speaker:Charlie McConalogue OR speaker:Niall Collins OR speaker:David Stanton OR speaker:Helen McEntee OR speaker:Verona Murphy OR speaker:Gino Kenny OR speaker:Claire Kerrane OR speaker:Pádraig O'Sullivan OR speaker:Louise O'Reilly OR speaker:Denise Mitchell OR speaker:Jim O'Callaghan OR speaker:Pat Buckley OR speaker:Mairead Farrell OR speaker:Johnny Mythen OR speaker:Catherine Connolly)

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

David Stanton: I thank the Tánaiste for that comprehensive response. I hope the number will increase. I understand there was a time when the number in the RDF, formerly the FCA, was approximately 20,000. That was the situation when I was a member up to 1997, before I came in here and was told my services were no longer required. Will the Tánaiste comment on the situation regarding the tax-free...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Naval Service (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: A whole range of accommodation projects are under way. We have the refurbishment of block 4 in Haulbowline, with 74 beds at a cost of €500,000. I mentioned the refurbishment of the old communications building, creating 20 beds at a cost of €4.2 million and the refurbishment of the cadet mess building in Haulbowline, creating 24 beds at a cost of €3.7 million, and on it...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Cormac Devlin: 7. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action he is taking in relation to recognition for officers in the Defence Forces who provide specialist instruction and training. [42024/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Pádraig O'Sullivan: I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Devlin. What action is the Tánaiste taking in relation to recognition for officers in the Defence Forces who provide specialist instruction and training?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel is a significant challenge, which I have acknowledged on a number of occasions. The Government will continue to work to ensure the Defence Forces remain an attractive option as a career choice for both existing and potential members. Considerable progress has been made to address potential...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Pádraig O'Sullivan: Many of the things the Tánaiste has mentioned are worth reiterating regarding the progress that is being made. He mentioned the extension of healthcare. That was a much welcomed provision. The Tánaiste has stated in the past that we need to adapt to new realities. He has described the situation globally as extremely challenging. As he has often stated in the House, we are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: We addressed that in the previous question. Approximately 10,000 people indicated an interest. Many of them did not follow through but still. This is an ongoing issue for me when I discuss these issues with the Defence Forces and military leadership. I gave figures in answer to the previous question. I believe 494 personnel have been inducted so far this year and approximately 250 more...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Pádraig O'Sullivan: I will ask a final supplementary question on the difficulties we have had in respect of the Women of Honour and their campaign in the last while. A mentoring programme was to be established for women by June 2024. Will the Tánaiste clarify what progress has been made on that?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: Just to return to the figures, as of 30 September, 494 personnel had been inducted in 2024 and the latest advice is that it is planned to have a further 250 inducted this year. That is nearly 750 personnel, which would be the highest number of inductions for some time. That indicates we are beginning to turn the corner in respect of the issue of recruitment and retention and the gap between...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Gino Kenny: 8. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions he will take against Israel in response to the Israeli military firing on UNIFIL positions in south Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42110/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Pauline Tully: 29. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions being taken to ensure, insofar as possible, the safety and security of members of the Defence Forces taking part in UNIFIL peacekeeping duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42111/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Niamh Smyth: 31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the safety and well-being of Irish troops in Lebanon, given the ongoing evolving situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41634/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Catherine Connolly: Bogaimid ar aghaidh anois go dtí an chéad cheist eile, Uimh. 8 in ainm an Teachta Gino Kenny. It is grouped with Questions Nos. 29 and 31. Níl an Teachta anseo mar sin glaoim ar an Teachta Pauline Tully.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Pauline Tully: What actions are being taken to ensure, insofar as possible, the safety and security of members of the Defence Forces taking part in UNIFIL peacekeeping duties?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 29 and 31 together. I reiterate that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces personnel stationed in Lebanon remain of paramount concern to me and the Government. I pay tribute to all our Defence Force personnel in Lebanon for their exceptional work, professionalism and resilience. I am also conscious of their families here at home...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have been less than two years in this portfolio but recruitment is stabilising and turning a corner, with a narrowing of the gap, and this year may see the first time there will not be a net reduction. The figure is currently 7,426. We have looked at all the recruitment methodologies. We were not satisfied with them or the manner in which people were being recruited, and we have changed...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Matt Carthy: To be clear, I am not dismissing the retention issue whatsoever. I am saying we have a big retention issue, on which the Tánaiste has failed to get a handle. I have also said I welcome the increase in the mandatory retirement age but have said that will not, in itself, deal with the retention issue we face. The truth is that as of today, more people have left the Defence Forces this...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy said fewer people have been recruited this year than have left. That is not correct, in my understanding. So far, up to 30 September, 494 personnel had been inducted, and the latest advice from the military indicates it will have a further 250 by the end of the year.