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…)

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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66. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the assumption by Irish troops of the lead role in the UN task force in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32303/06]

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5. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the mission of Irish soldiers to be deployed to Lebanon; the number of troops involved; their duties; the locations where they will be stationed; if the overall mission is required to disarm Hizbollah; if this deployment will require the approval of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32459/06]

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59. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the further developments in Ireland’s involvement with EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32267/06]

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 Mr. Gormley: The Green Party cannot agree to this proposal as any motion to send troops abroad should be debated in this House.  This mission to Lebanon is not without risk and could be one of our more dangerous missions.  While the Taoiseach might argue that it is not a chapter 7 mission, Condoleezza Rice noted that Resolution 1701 has chapter 7 powers in all but name.  Consequently, this matter should be debated in this House. (later)   The Taoiseach: If the Whips can consider the matter, we can have the debate first or afterwards - I do not mind.  I will give a commitment to have a debate.  The Government Whip should talk to the Minister for Defence.  The debate can be held before the motion goes to committee or we can allow it go to the committee and have the debate on its return, depending on what is agreed to by the Whips.  I agree with the principle of a debate.

Mr. Gormley: It is only right and proper that the House should have the opportunity to debate the deployment of 150 Irish troops to Lebanon.  I said yesterday that the Government might have been reluctant to debate this matter in the House because, strictly speaking, it is not a chapter 7 mission, although Condoleezza Rice has said that, for all intents and purposes, it is such a mission.  Like Deputy Ó Snodaigh, I ask that the Minister clarify the position.  Lebanon did not want it to be a chapter 7 mission but it seems that the United States has managed to manoeuvre matters in such a way that it may become such a mission.

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242. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Finland in early October 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32367/06] (more…)