John Gormley

562. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will explain the much higher than average absenteeism rates in the Defence Forces and the serious shortage of medical staff; the way he will address both of these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38478/06] (more…)

Mr. Gormley: Given the horrific problems in our nursing homes, does the Tánaiste intend to reconsider legislation in respect of tax relief for the owners of nursing homes?  It is the Government’s profit before people philosophy that is the root cause of this. 

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39. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of Irish troops to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38111/06]

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  72. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent deployment of Irish troops to Liberia as part of UNMIL; the plans for this to be Ireland’s final deployment to UNMIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38108/06]

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Mr. Gormley: With regard to the memorandum of understanding between the members of the Nordic battle group, is it not the case that it does not include a reference to Ireland’s requirement for a triple lock or UN mandate?  Will the Minister lodge a copy of this document in the Oireachtas Library?  Will he arrange for a discussion on it given that it has far-reaching consequences?

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Mr. Gormley: I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the revelation that Ireland is now seen as a target for terrorist attack because of the Government’s continued support for President George W. Bush’s disastrous war in Iraq and the need for the Government to stop allowing Shannon Airport to be used as a military stopover for the war in Iraq, which, far from stopping terrorism, has increased its likelihood. 

An Ceann Comhairle: Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31

Mr. Gormley: The Government is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with our battlegroup colleagues on our participation in the battlegroup. Does the Taoiseach agree it would be appropriate to debate this memorandum of understanding—-

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Mr. Gormley: I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss an issue of urgent public importance, namely, the killing of 18 Palestinian civilians, including eight children and four women, by the Israelis yesterday in Gaza; the failure of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to unequivocally condemn this attack; and the need for the Government and the EU to use all means to ensure there is a proper peace plan for the region which addresses the continued problem of settlement expansion on the West Bank and includes the main actors in the regions, namely, Syria and Iran. 

An Ceann Comhairle: Having considered the matters raised, they are not in order under Standing Order 31.

Mr. Gormley: Will the Tánaiste join me in condemning the comments of certain irresponsible public representatives that is all right to drink and drive?  Does he agree that the Government’s own attitude to our biggest drug problem, alcohol, is somewhat ambivalent?

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174. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of full medical care eligibility for the over 70’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36754/06]

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