Results 501-520 of 1,103,371 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' (speaker:Ciarán Cuffe OR speaker:John Lahart OR speaker:Aindrias Moynihan OR speaker:Verona Murphy OR speaker:Denis Naughten OR speaker:Martin Kenny OR speaker:Johnny Mythen OR speaker:Thomas Pringle OR speaker:Hildegarde Naughton OR speaker:Niamh Smyth OR speaker:Catherine Connolly OR speaker:Neale Richmond OR speaker:Seán Haughey OR speaker:James O'Connor OR speaker:Seán Canney OR speaker:Catherine Murphy OR speaker:Claire Kerrane OR speaker:Sorca Clarke OR speaker:Noel Grealish OR speaker:Colm Brophy OR speaker:Chris Andrews OR speaker:Colm Burke OR speaker:Richard Bruton OR speaker:Paul Donnelly OR speaker:Norma Foley OR speaker:Damien English OR speaker:Joe Flaherty)
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Bernard Durkan: In support of Deputy Smith, it might be fortuitous to look again at the overall structures relating to defence positions throughout the country, given the internationally changing emphasis on security and the challenges emerging on a regular basis. Might it now be fortuitous to look again and reconsider a possible renewal of defensive locations, strategically?
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Catherine Connolly: The Deputy has resumed his seat so he has to stop talking.
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Bernard Durkan: It is very important down our way.
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Micheál Martin: I thank both Deputies for their remarks. I accept what Deputy Smith said about the role of our military in protecting the State, especially against the shocking violence over the 30-year period from the late 1960s to the nineties. I read a book recently, written by Ronan McGreevy and Tommy Conlon, about the kidnapping of Don Tidey, when a private and a garda lost their lives. It...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Defence Forces
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Michael McGrath: 11. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the Defence Forces participation in the UNIFIL mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42004/24]
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Alan Farrell: 23. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department's engagement with Irish troops participating in UNFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41452/24]
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Niamh Smyth: 34. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department is in constant contact with families of our Irish troops in Lebanon given the rising tensions and situation that is evolving there at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41631/24]
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Catherine Connolly: 39. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the peacekeeping Defence Forces members on duty in Lebanon in light of the deteriorating situation between Israel and Lebanon and more widely in the region; the plans in place to ensure the safety of Irish troops deployed with UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41694/24]
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Ruairi Ó Murchú: 40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the current situation in South Lebanon; the current activities of the Defence Forces on the UNIFIL mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42038/24]
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Catherine Connolly: I understand Deputy Smith is introducing this group of questions.
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Brendan Smith: As we all know, the situation in the Middle East is desperate. It has to be of the utmost concern to all of us. We have witnessed horrific scenes in Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the Israel Defense Forces again breached the blue line, including the Irish-Polish battalion area of operations. The situation is obviously very tense. I know the Tánaiste continues to monitor...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 23, 34, 39 and 40 together. I reiterate my absolute gratitude and pay tribute to our Defence Forces personnel who are operating in Lebanon under very challenging, difficult and dangerous circumstances. I am particularly conscious of their families who are obviously very worried and anxious about what they are watching on the news and on social media,...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Catherine Connolly: We will run out of time. There are a number of listed speakers on this question.
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Brendan Smith: I welcome the Tánaiste's confirmation and reassurance with regard to liaison and contact with families, which is extremely important. I understand that the Tánaiste had a virtual meeting with his EU counterparts recently. Did they all agree that the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers by the IDF we have seen in recent days are completely unacceptable and reprehensible? Was there full...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Ruairi Ó Murchú: It is absolutely necessary, and I have spoken with the Tánaiste on this previously, that communication is maintained with the families of our peacekeepers, who are doing absolutely necessary work. We have had huge worries. It is a disgrace, but it is just a continuity of disgraceful actions by the IDF in firing on UNIFIL positions. Will the Tánaiste give an update on his...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Catherine Connolly: Two more Members are eager to get in, but we are out of time. I will give the last words to the Tánaiste.
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Micheál Martin: I believe the Deputy's time with the FCA stood him in good stead and prepared him well for his parliamentary and ministerial career, so that speaks volume about the importance of the RDF. In a serious vein, since I became Minister, I have been very determined to drive this on because it is not acceptable that we do not have adequacy and sufficiency in terms of the Reserve Defence Force. We...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
David Stanton: I agree with the Tánaiste about engagement with employers. As many employers would value the training I and others got in the Defence Forces in the past, I encourage the Tánaiste to go down that road and work on that. The Tánaiste may not have the information with him today but could he let me know about the thinking about the tax-free gratuity that used to be paid? I...
- Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (17 Oct 2024)
Micheál Martin: I will follow up on the gratuity issue. That has not come on to my radar and more is the pity, because we could have got it done but I will pursue that. Civil servants can be granted special leave with pay if they attend for the full period of the course of training. That could be seven days or three working days for a course of annual training lasting 14 days. They could be given special...