Labour T.D. Says Referendum Required On Permanent Bail Out Mechanism

Speaking this evening in the Dáil Motion on the Bank Bail-out and EU-IMF, Labour Party TD for Clare Deputy Michael McNamara said that a permanent bail out mechanism will require a referendum in Ireland.

Deputy McNamara pointed out however, that the referendum proposed by the Dáil technical group of 13 independent TDs would be meaningless as no viable alternative method of funding the State’s day-to-day activities has been put forward.

He said: “Were a referendum, as proposed by the Technical Group, to be held now and were the Irish people to reject the bank-bailout, which I do not accept we would, it would change nothing.

Criticising the Technical Group who proposed a referendum, Deputy McNamara asked: "How do the proposers of this motion suggest that we would continue to pay our Gardai, our teachers, our nurses? How do they propose that we raise the funds to maintain the weakest in our society in the dignity their humanity demands? They don’t. As our banking system is reliant of short-term funding to the tune of €120 billion from the ECB to continue to function, how they propose to ensure that ATMs across the State continue to function? They don’t.

The Clare Labour T.D. added: “It is undeniable that a permanent bail-out mechanism widens the scope of Union powers beyond the general framework created by the provisions of the Treaties as a whole and, in particular, by those that define the tasks and the activities of the Union – and therefore will require a constitutional convention and subsequent ratification by each member state according to their national legal framework – which in Ireland means a referendum.

“The form of the permanent bail-out mechanism will determine whether the tax-payers of member States, this State or another, will be required to guarantee the gambling debts of renegade banks, with tax-payers throughout the European the ultimate guarantors of those debts.

“We must ensure that such a profound change to the European Union mechanism is not put in place and, I believe we will find ready allies in this task across the European Union. That is the diplomatic battle with which this State must now engage and we must prevail”, Deputy McNamara concluded.

Experts Bring Irish Sponsorship Industry To The Summit

Reflecting a ‘recession-tackling’ Irish Sponsorship Industry, 150 of Ireland’s leading sponsors and rightholders along with associations across the business, sports and not-for-profit sectors have largely filled the capacity of the 2011 Irish Sponsorship Summit at the Aviva Stadium weeks before the mid March event kicks-off.

Sponsors attending include Diageo, O2, Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Toyota, eircom, Quinn Insurance, 3 Mobile and Bulmers. Among the Rightsholders registered to attend the Summit are the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, RTE, IRFU, Dublin City Marathon, RDS and Spraoi Festival, while Not For Profit organisations such as Temple Street Hospital, Marie Keating Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society will also be in attendance.

Onside Sponsorship is the primary partner of the Summit, which is being organised by Sports ai, in association with The Marketing Institute of Ireland and The European Sponsorship Association. 

Earlier this month Onside Sponsorship revealed that sponsorship spending in Ireland is due to stabilise in 2011, showing a relatively modest 2pc dip in spend to €123m.  Rugby and GAA are expected to see most growth this year based on the new Onside Industry survey.

Commenting ahead of the Summit, John Trainor, Managing Director, Onside Sponsorship explained: “There has been strong interest in the Summit across all sectors from telecommunications to the motor industry and festivals to causes.”

 “The Irish Sponsorship Summit has sold out its initial delegate targets weeks in advance of the event and has increased the delegate capacity this week by a further 30 places to meet additional demand”, added Trainor.

The Summit will include keynote addresses and interactive roundtable discussions from Irish and global industry leaders including senior marketing personnel from O2, IRFU, Diageo, Newstalk, Coca-Cola and Ulster Bank. An international perspective will be presented by speakers including Jim Tobin, Director and Head of Sponsorships for the Canadian bank Scotiabank, which operates in 50 nations.

2011 Irish Sponsorship Summit details: Places are limited and booking is essential. Further information on www.irishsponsorshipsummit.ie

Increase In Fire Fatalities Could Have Been Prevented - CFOA

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has called for greater fire safety awareness in light of the recent increase in domestic fire fatalities across the Republic of Ireland.

The Association has released figures showing that 18 fatalities occurred in December and January, representing almost 50% of the entire figure (40) for 2010.

9 fatalities were recorded last month in Cork (2), Clare (2), Wicklow (2), Tipperary (1), Dublin (1) and Donegal (1) in January 2011. 

The CFOA said smoke alarms were either not present or working in the majority of cases.

Michael Raftery, Chief Fire Officer in Galway and Chairperson of the Chief Fire Officers Association of Ireland said: “40 to 50 people have died in accidental house fires every year over the last 20 years and this trend has continued this winter. Sadly many of these fatalities could have been prevented.”

“Many more have been injured as a result of dwelling fires while there are a huge number of properties that have been damaged by fire. The increase in fire deaths serves as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of installing working smoke alarms and the need to have an escape plan should it become necessary to evacuate”, he added.

Mr. Raftery noted that there are a number of steps that can be taken by householders to reduce the risk of fire in the home.

He continued: “The CFOA urges the public to check smoke alarms, not only your own, but also those of elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours. Householders should always make sure that flammable materials are kept as far away from sources of heat as possible, and that all forms of heating appliance, be they electrical or gas are well maintained. The public should never use any appliance that may be faulty."

The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of Ireland’s 34 Local Authorities.  The Association is also a member of the Federation of European Fire officers Associations and attends their twice yearly meetings.

Further Fire Safety advice is available from www.firesafetyweek.ie. For more on the CFOA  visit www.cfoa.net.  

Hillery Proposes Cross Party Constituency Think-Tanks

Clare Fianna Fail General Election Candidate Dr. John Hillery has proposed the establishment of cross-party Think-Tanks in each Constituency following the forthcoming election.

Dr. Hillery said the Think-Tanks would feature regular meetings of Elected TDs from each constituency on crucial issues such as agriculture, tourism, business, health and education.  He suggested that each of the meetings would facilitate key business and community  representatives in raising matters of concern with their local TDs, who would in turn direct the feedback they receive into policy development at national level.

“Politics in Ireland is at a crossroads and the political establishment must adopt a new direction, one that is more inclusive and engages with people”, explained Dr. Hillery.

He continued: “Meetings should be held at least once every two months and should conclude with key actions being jointly progressed at national level by the TDs from each Constituency.  Politics should not be about individual Oireachtas Members and Parties competing with each other in a way that stifles progress, but instead it should focus on the formulation of a coordinated, collaborative approach to improving the quality of life for the citizens of this country.  This cross party, community driven approach to devising and delivering change would be a welcome replacement of the present top down approach of Irish politics”.

Dr. Hillery said there is a cynicism and disconnection of people from politics that is undermining the capacity of the Nation to overcome current economic and social difficulties.

“People are afraid. They are afraid of becoming seriously ill; afraid of losing their jobs; afraid of losing their children to emigration. It is unacceptable that the hopes and aspirations of any Irish citizen should be undermined by the failings of a political system that places a greater value on political gain than delivering positive economic and social change.  The Irish core value of community facilitated by a people focused political system will restore our pride as a people and our strength as a nation. These proposed Think-Tanks would form a central role in delivering this change”, concluded Dr. Hillery.

Irish Sponsorship Summit To Take Place In March

Tony Griffin, left, Director, Sports ai, and John Trainor, Managing Director of Onside Sponsorship at the launch of the Irish Sponsorship Summit, which is to take place on March 15th at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture credit: David Maher

Investment in sponsorship in Ireland is continuing to show positive signs in spite of the difficult economic environment according to the organisers of the 2011 Irish Sponsorship Summit, details of which were announced today. 

Grant Aid Scheme For Horticulture Development

Minister for Defence and Clare Fianna Fail T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has welcomed the launch by the Department of Agriculture of the 2011 Grant Aid Scheme for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.

The closing date for receipt of applications to the fourth round of the Scheme is Friday 18th February 2011 and only investments commenced after the issue of letters of approval will be eligible for aid.
 
This aid, which is set at 40% (50% in the case of young farmers) of total eligible capital investment, will fund projects in commercial horticulture undertaken during 2011. The scheme covers all horticultural sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and, mushrooms.  
 
Minister Killeen explained that the scheme is aimed at assisting growers to efficiently produce high quality products to meet the increasing demands of a very competitive market.

“It will also contribute to increasing Irish fruit and vegetable consumption towards the recommended target of 5-a-day as part of a healthy diet”, he said.

The Minister continued: “There remains a continual need for the industry to adapt its production methods, both to minimise environmental effects and to benefit from adopting newer technologies. This scheme includes provision for increasing the uptake of green technologies, including water recycling, generating energy from waste and innovations based on plant production”.

Meanwhile, Minister Killeen has welcomed the launch by Bord Bia of their annual Performance and Prospects Report, indicating an 11 per cent increase, to €7.88 billion, in the value of Irish food and drink exports in 2010.

“I warmly welcome the strong performance of Irish food and drink exports in 2010 and the encouraging prospects for food, drink and horticulture in 2011. I am confident that the food, drink and horticulture sector will continue to perform strongly in 2011 with increased demand for dairy products, the maintenance in beef export values and good prospects for beverages, seafood and horticulture”, he concluded.

Details of the  2011 Grant Aid Scheme for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and application forms can be obtained from Crop Policy, Production and Safety Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Administration Building, Backweston Campus, Young’s Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, (01) 5058801/5058797 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Minister Killeen Announces Lebanon Mission

The Government today approved Minister for Defence Tony Killeen’s proposal for the deployment of some 440 Irish troops for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Defence Minister will proceed in the new year to seek Dáil approval for the mission. This will complete the Triple Lock mechanism of UN, Government and Dáil approval before deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas.

Since the unexpected and unplanned withdrawal from the UN mission in Chad earlier this year, the Defence Forces and management in the Department have been examining all available options in terms of a deployment for the Defence Forces.   The deployment to UNIFIL is planned for the second quarter of 2011 and will be undertaken in association with the Finnish Armed Forces, who also served as part of a joint contingent in the UN mission in Chad.

Speaking following the Government decision, Minister Killeen said:  “It is vitally important for Ireland to maintain a level of commitment to international peacekeeping operations and the obligations it has assumed through its membership of the UN.”

“Overseas operations contribute greatly also to the professional development of the Defence Forces”  The Minister further stated that “savings being achieved through the drawdown of troops from other overseas missions will partially offset the cost of Ireland’s participation in UNIFIL, most of which will be met by the UN”, he added.

Ireland has a long association with UNIFIL since its establishment in 1978.  The main Defence Forces battalion was withdrawn in 2001 following 23 years of service with UNIFIL.  Ireland again deployed a contingent to Lebanon in 2006, for a period of 12 months, with a Finnish Engineering company, following on an escalation of hostilities, when the UNIFIL Force was significantly expanded under a UN mandate.

Minister For Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., On Defence Budget 2011

“In 2011 the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, like all areas of the public service, will operate on a reduced budget. The gross allocation in 2011 for Defence and Army Pensions combined is €933m, an overall reduction of 4% on the 2010 allocation. Defence spending at €725m (including capital spending) will be down by €30m (4%) on the 2010 Estimate. The provision for Army Pensions (Vote 37) for 2011 is €208m, which is a non-discretionary expenditure.

The expenditure reductions will be delivered through the reduction in participation in overseas peacekeeping, particularly the withdrawal from Chad and the reductions in numbers serving in Kosovo and Bosnia- Herzegovina.  Savings will also be achieved through the postponement of expenditure on equipment and capital works across the Defence Forces. 

There are currently 2 aircrafts available for the Ministerial Air Transport Service.  The Gulfstream IV aircraft is in service for almost 20 years and no provision has been made in the Estimates for a replacement or for any major structural repair.  The Learjet aircraft will continue in operation.

While there have been reductions in the overall Defence budget, steady investment since 2000 means that the Defence Forces are well placed in addressing the challenges for 2011 and the adjustments required under the National Recovery Plan.

The procurement of two new naval vessels will continue within the reduced allocation for Defence spending.

All of the main savings identified in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes have already been implemented or alternative savings identified.”

“The priority in the coming year will be on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.

Ireland remains open to participation in peace keeping operations with such participation reflecting the reduced budgetary resources. The Defence Forces retain the capacity to deploy overseas. No decisions have been made by the Government in relation to new peace keeping operations.” added Minister Killeen.

Citylink Commuter Service Is Launched

Irish Citylink’s new online booking system went live today to coincide with the launch of the express coach operator’s Galway to Dublin commuter service.

Citylink Commuter is being targeted at people who wish to commute to work, college or schools situated along the route in Galway, Westmeath, Meath and Dublin. 

The 15 daily return services, which include a late night ‘Theatre Link’, will be operated by Citylink luxury coaches with free WiFi broadband access and air-conditioning.

Commenting on the commuter service, a spokesperson for Irish Citylink said: “The service has been rebranded to cater primarily for commuters living and working along the route. It will also cater for the needs of customers wishing to travel from town to town for shopping, hospital appointments and leisure activities.

“The service serves Dublin Airport and drops off at the front of Terminal 2, and at Bus stops 5 and 6 for Terminal 1.  We also have added a new late night service which means you can travel from Dublin after 11pm. This service is perfect for concert or theatre goers who do not want to spend the night in Dublin.

“We anticipate that the service will complement our 14 daily return direct services between Galway and Dublin and will transport approximately 500,000 people every year.

“A new faster, more user friendly on-line booking system is being provided to facilitate customers who wish to pre-book their tickets.  We also have established a Lo Call telephone number to facilitate customer enquiries”, the spokesperson added.

The locations served by the commuter service include Galway City, Oranmore, Craughwell, Loughrea, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Moate, Kilbeggan, Tyrellspass, Rochfortbridge, Milltownpass, Kinnegad, Enfield, Dublin and Dublin Airport.

Citylink Commuter offers single, return and 10 journey fares for commuters together with monthly, 3-monthly and annual TaxSaver tickets for commuters.  Special student fares are offered for single, return and 10 journey tickets.

Galway-based Irish Citylink also operates 14 non-stop daily return services between Galway-Dublin and Dublin Airport, 5 multi-stop daily return services between Galway and Cork, and daily return services between Galway to Clifden.

For more visit www.citylink.ie or Lo Call 1890 280808.

Four-Year Plan Provides A Blueprint For Growth - Killeen

The Government’s four-year plan, published today sets out the measures that will be taken to restore order to our public finances and identifies areas of economic activity that will provide growth and employment in the recovery, according to Minister for Defence Tony Killeen  TD.

New Website For Irish Weather Enthusiasts

Ireland’s first dedicated weather news and long range forecast website, Irish Weather Online has been launched. 

Report Into Asgard II Sinking Is Published

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has published their Report of the investigation into the loss of the sail training vessel “Asgard II”.

The vessel which sank in the Bay of Biscay on 11 September 2008 while on route to La Rochelle, France was carrying 5 crew and 20 trainees.

All on board were evacuated safely from the vessel and transferred to the ships life rafts where they were brought to the island of Bel Ille by the French coastguard.

Minister or Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen commented that while the findings into the cause of the sinking are inconclusive it recognises that the vessel was equipped and maintained in excess of the statutory requirements and that higher safety standards were in place on the ship which were above those required by legislation.

The Minister also noted that the report acknowledges the leadership shown by the ship’s Master, Colm Newport and he commended his and the crew’s handling of the emergency situation.

Copies of the Report are available on the MCIB website at www.mcib.ie.

Deadline Extended For Isover Ireland Building Awards

The deadline for submitting entries to the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) has been extended until October 11th.

The inaugural awards scheme is being targeted at building professionals including architects, engineers, builders and developers across Ireland who have built new and renovated buildings that have been built with a very low energy demand.

A €10,000 prize will be presented to the overall winner of the Irish finals who will go forward to represent Ireland at a European Awards ceremony in Madrid in May 2011. The winner will also be profiled in the internationally-distributed Isover ‘Best Of’ book.

The awards scheme acknowledges the considerable shift within the Irish construction industry towards energy efficient building design, explained Mr. Kieran Holohan of ISOVER Ireland.

Mr. Holohan explained that the awards will celebrate Ireland’s most energy efficient renovation and new construction projects, both in the residential and non-residential sectors.

He added: “The ISOVER Energy Efficiency Awards reflect two environmental issues that are at the very heart of our core objectives - protection of the environment in the face of climate change, and enhancing the quality of and physical comfort in the buildings where we work and live.”

Mr. Holohan pointed out that much of Ireland’s existing building stock continues to consume a considerable amount of energy for heating with significant emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.

“New building regulations coupled with a change in consumer behaviour and attitudes has led to a significant increase in the number of renovation and construction projects embracing energy efficient design.

“Not only will this new awards scheme honour those who have excelled in the energy efficient building sector but it will also allow scheme participants to exchange and share knowledge and experience in the field. ISOVER Ireland is confident that this will help to highlight the importance of improving the energy performance of our buildings and, subsequently, the inhabitants' quality of life”, concluded Mr. Holohan.

The adjudication panel includes leading Irish experts in the field of green design and construction, namely Tomas O Leary, Passive House Academy Ireland; Jeff Colley, Editor of Construct Ireland and winner of the 2010 Green Leader Award; Jay Stuart RIBA, Sustainable Design Consultant; and Zdenka Debartoli, International Market Manager Building, ISOVER.

Projects entered in the competition must be fully completed by December 2010 and not more than 5 years old. Closing date for entries is Monday October 11th 2010. The Irish awards ceremony will take place in December 2010.

For more see www.isover-eea.com.

Minister Killeen Visits Irish Troops In The Balkans

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen TD today begins an official visit to the Balkans where 62 Irish troops are currently serving as part of the KFOR mission in Kosovo and the EUFOR operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt. General Sean McCann, is accompanying Minister Killeen.

During his two day visit, Minister Killeen will have the opportunity to meet with the Defence Forces personnel on the ground in both countries as well as meeting with the Commanders of both missions.

"This is my first time to visit Defence Forces personnel overseas. I am very much looking forward to meeting our troops in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina who are doing a tremendous job. I know our troops have made a real and lasting difference over the years" stated Minister Killeen.

In Kosovo, Minister Killeen will meet with the Minister for the Kosovo Security Force, Mr Fehmi Mujota. Minister Killeen will take the opportunity to signal Ireland’s continued strong support for Kosovo’s independence, which the Irish government recognised in February 2008.

Tomorrow, Minister Killeen will visit Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, where, in addition to meeting personnel of the Irish contingent serving with the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he is scheduled to meet with EUFOR’s Commander, Major General Bernhard Bair. At a ceremony to be held at Camp Butmir, the Minister (and the Chief of Staff) will present medals to members of the Irish contingent.

While in Sarajevo, Minister Killeen is also scheduled to meet Dr Valentin Inzko, EU Special Representative and High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“This meeting will provide me with a timely opportunity to hear the EUSR’s view on the situation in the country in advance of the general election next weekend (3 October 2010) and on the prospects for progress on the necessary constitutional reform in the months ahead” the Minister stated.

The Minister will return to Ireland tomorrow night.

KFOR was established on 10 June 1999 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244, for an initial period of twelve months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. KFOR’s mandate is to establish a safe and secure environment in Kosovo conducive to the implementation of refugee return and reconstruction. Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999.

In December 2009 the Government decided that the Defence Forces commitments to overseas peace support operations would be scaled back in 2010 as one of the budgetary expenditure reductions. The draw-down of Irish personnel from KFOR began in April 2010 with the draw-down of approximately 190 personnel. A total of 19 Defence Forces personnel is currently serving with KFOR (13 in KFOR HQ and 6 in Multinational Battlegroup Centre). The Defence Forces contribution will be further reduced to twelve (12) in October 2010.
The EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Operation “Althea” - was established in December 2004, to replace the NATO-led Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFOR). Ireland has participated in EUFOR since December 2004, having previously been a participant in SFOR since 1997. The Irish contingent serving with EUFOR currently comprises of 43 personnel.

In December 2009, the Government approved the draw-down in July 2010 of the Irish contingent from EUFOR. This draw-down was based on an expectation that the transition of the EUFOR mission to a training and support mission would have started by that time and having regard to the budgetary situation. However, the transition to a smaller training and support mission is not now expected to be completed for some months to come. Following a request, earlier this year, by EUFOR’s Operation Commander to maintain the Irish contingent with the mission until year end, the drawdown of the Irish contingent from the EU-led mission has been deferred until the end of 2010.

Air Corps Training Programme For S R Technics Apprentices

The Government has announced innovative new training programme which will see up to 30 apprentices formerly employed at the S R Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin Airport being taken on by the Air Corps to complete the Phases 5 and 7 on-the-job training element of their apprenticeships.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen, T.D. and his colleague the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey, T.D.

Minister Haughey said “This is a hugely beneficial and highly specialised programme for well over half of the aircraft maintenance apprentices let go at S R Technics Dublin airport facility. These redundancies have had a major impact in my constituency and I am delighted that the State sector in the form of FAS, my own Department and the Department of Defence and the Air Corps have come together to establish this scheme to provide the expert training required for these highly skilled young people so as to enable them to progress to completion of their apprenticeships”.

Minister Killeen added: “This is a unique undertaking whereby the State in the form of the Department of Defence and the Air Corps has stepped in, the latter as a body with the ability to provide very specialist training, to assist these former S R Technics apprentices in order that they might progress to the successful completion of their apprenticeships. It is equally unique in that the apprentices will not be employed by the Dept. of Defence or the Air Corps but will avail of all of training facilities at Casement Aerodrome under the tutorship of Air Corps Instructors.

He continued: “I am delighted that this specialist branch of the Defence Forces has had the foresight and willingness to engage in partnership with FAS to implement this programme. The Air Corps has a highly skilled cadre of aircraft maintenance personnel and the aircraft on which the skills of the apprentices can be practised and honed. It trains its own personnel to the highest requisite standards and will now be providing similar training and expert knowledge to these apprentices. The Air Corps is one of the few employers of aircraft mechanics in the country and as such is delighted to be able to help out in these exceptional circumstances”.

“This highlights the flexible and practical approach being taken by Government wherever possible to provide innovative solutions to assist redundant cohorts, in this instance a cohort of very highly specialised apprentices”.

The scheme will commence at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel on Monday 27th September with the first group of up to 14 apprentices commencing their Phase 5 on-the-job training. It is envisaged that a second group of up to 17 apprentices will commence training in November 2010. Off-the-job training is being provided to these apprentices in between the on-the-job work placement phases in the Dublin Institute of Technology at Phases 4 and 6 of the apprenticeship cycle.

Minister Haughey commented: “Between the on-the-job and off-the-job training being provided to these former S R Technics apprentices the scheme in total will cost in the region of €1.4m. A significant element of this expenditure will be provided through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) co-financing assistance announced last Tuesday by the European Commission on foot of an Irish application for support made last October. This EU funding will be matched by funding from the National Training Fund, particularly in relation to that element of the apprentices’ training which post-dates the EGF eligibility period in October 2011. It is intended that all the apprentices will have completed the requisite training phases with the Air Corps by the first Quarter of 2012.

FAS has also recently placed 5 other former S R Technics apprentices with another aircraft maintenance employer recently as part of the Redundant Apprenticeship Placement Scheme 2010. In addition, FAS is seeking to secure further progression in their apprenticeships, at both on-the-job and off-the-job phases, of 4 more mechanical and automation and maintenance fitting apprentices made redundant at S R Technics.

According to Minister Haughey: “This is a concrete example of the cooperative approach possible between State bodies to provide practical assistance to redundant apprentices”. It is also an excellent example of the type of innovative scheme which can be co-financed with EU assistance under the EGF”.

New Chairman Of The Irish Red Cross Appointed

The Government this week has accepted the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., to nominate David J. O’Callaghan for appointment by the President as Chairman of the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society.

Mr O’Callaghan is a former Secretary General of the Department of Defence, from 1995 to 2004. He previously held the post of Assistant Secretary in that Department from 1993 to 1995 and prior to that was Personnel Manager in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. He is Chairman of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. The Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society consists of members elected from the Society’s Areas and members nominated by the Government.

Minister Killeen said “I am very grateful to Mr O’Callaghan for having agreed to take on the role of Chairman of the Irish Red Cross and oversee the reform process.”

Department Of Defence And Defence Forces Annual Report Is Published

The Minister for Defence Mr. Tony Killeen T.D., today welcomed the publication of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report for 2009.

Minister Killeen said: “2009 presented the usual challenges to the Defence Forces but the unusual events at home and abroad allowed a broad spectrum of capabilities to be deployed.”

Reflecting on events at home, the Minister added: “in years to come, 2009 will be remembered and not too fondly, by many people as the year of the big floods” The Minister once again paid tribute to the Defence Forces for the support they provided to the public at the request of local authorities and the HSE. The Minister said “the ‘can do’ attitude of the Defence Forces was put to the test by the many and varied tasks which they were requested to undertake during the time of crisis. The contribution of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps was welcomed and widely acknowledged”.

The Minister noted that in 2009, almost 1900 members of the Defence Forces served overseas and continued to enhance the reputation of Irish troops in places such as Chad, Kosovo and Bosnia- Herzegovina. The Minister recalled that the valuable contribution made by the Defence Forces to international peacekeeping, for more than 50 years, was recognised by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon during his visit to Ireland in July 2009.

In accepting the Annual Report, the Minister remembered the two members of the air corps who died when their plane crashed in October 2009. Minister Killeen said: “a year of so much visible and tangible success was tinged with great sadness. The loss of two young Air Corps personnel, Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens, who tragically lost their lives in the course of a flight training exercise, reminds us all of the many risks and dangers that can be associated with a military career”.

The Minister complimented the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff for the dedication and commitment of both civil and military staff throughout a difficult and challenging year. Minister Killeen said “the McCarthy report, published in July 2009, acknowledged the ongoing reform in the Defence Organisation. The considerable modernisation and efficiencies that have been achieved in recent years in the Defence Organisation were central to the targeted reduction in numbers, recommended in that report, being achieved by year’s end”.

The Minister added that: “the flexibility, adaptability and willingness to embrace change, with a focus on continuous improvement, is now firmly embedded within the Defence Organisation. This is a fitting tribute to the former Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley, who passed away recently. His drive and determination played a key role in the continued modernisation and development of the Defence Forces.”

Concluding, Minister Killeen said “I wish to take this opportunity to record my appreciation for the work done by my predecessor as Minister, Mr Willie O’Dea TD. I am confident that the Defence Organisation is well placed to meet the significant further challenges ahead and will continue to be widely regarded as a model of public sector reform”.

A copy of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces Annual Report 2009 is available on the Department’s website www.defence.ie and the Defence Forces website www.military.ie.

Appointment Of New Deputy Chief Of Staff (Operations) Of The Defence Forces

The Government today has accepted the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., to nominate Brigadier General Ralph James for appointment by the President as the new Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) of the Defence Forces.

Minister Killeen said “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Brigadier General James on his new appointment and I look forward to working closely with him in the future.”

Brigadier General Ralph James has been the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps and Director of Military Aviation since 2002. The native of Dublin commenced his military service as a cadet in November 1973.

Army Equipment Arrives Home From Chad

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., accompanied by the Defence Forces, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean McCann, was at Dublin Port this afternoon to observe the arrival of the ship carrying the Defence Forces assets and equipment involved in the MINURCAT mission in Chad.

Minister Killeen said “This was a huge logistical task, one of the biggest ever undertaken by the Defence Forces given the location of the mission area in Chad. When the decision was taken to withdraw the Irish Contingent from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic of Chad (MINURCAT), the top priority for the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces was to achieve an orderly, efficient withdrawal of personnel and equipment from the country.”

The Irish contingent deployed with MINURCAT was withdrawn in May 2010 and the recovery of equipment and assets commenced straight away, culminating with today’s arrival by ship into Dublin and the subsequent transfer of equipment to the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp.

The Minister added that the Defence Forces would take the opportunity to undertake essential and extensive maintenance of the repatriated equipment in order to prepare for and be ready for their next deployment.

“The process of examining further options for Defence Forces overseas operations is already in train”, he concluded.

50th Anniversary Of First Deployment Of Irish Peacekeepers To Congo

An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, and the Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen TD, accompanied by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean McCann, today along with many veterans and their families attended Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel for the commemoration the 50th Anniversary of the Defence Forces deployment of troops to the Congo.

The Operation des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC) from 1960 to 1964, was the first peacekeeping mission to which an armed contingent of the Defence Forces was committed.

Fifty years ago, the 32nd Infantry Battalion, consisting of 650 personnel of all Ranks, was the first Unit from the Irish Defence Forces to serve overseas. An Irish officer, Lt Gen McKeown, was Force Commander of ONUC from January 1961 to March 1962. Over 6,000 Irish personnel served on this mission with a loss of 26 lives. The mission to the Congo marked the beginning of over 50 years of unbroken service on UN missions for the Irish Defence Forces and laid the foundation for Ireland’s international reputation for professional and impartial peacekeeping.

Speaking at the commemoration the Taoiseach said “It was our involvement in the Congo that represented a new departure for the Defence Forces and Ireland, and from the beginning you set the standard. Poised as we are now, with over 50 years of Irish troop participation in Peacekeeping involvement around the world, I would like to salute you. Be in no doubt that you have left the State with a significant legacy. We are all hugely proud of you.”

The Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen TD, said “The Taoiseach’s attendance at the ceremony is a fitting acknowledgement of the service overseas by Irish troops, starting with the historic Congo mission and continuing to the present day. I am confident that we will have troops deployed on a UN mission in the not too distant future.”

This international involvement was highly significant because it demonstrated that Ireland, though small and still a young state, was willing to play its part on the world stage.

Thus commenced a noble peacekeeping tradition, which has continued into the twenty-first century. This half century of troop participation in international peace support and peacekeeping operations in some of the most difficult conflicts around the world has brought pride, praise and prominence to the Defence Forces and Ireland. It is taken for granted today that Ireland’s Defence Forces would involve itself, as a matter of Irish Foreign Policy, in such challenging undertakings. Such operations present a consistent means of measuring and benchmarking the Defence Forces’ capabilities and standards against best international practice, exemplified most recently by its very successful two-year deployment in Chad.

Indeed, Ireland is regularly approached as a source of peacekeeping personnel and expertise. Relative to our size, available resources and capabilities, both financial and military, Ireland has been proportionately a very large peacekeeping contributor within the international community.

Over the last decade, the nature of peacekeeping operations has changed extensively. The twenty-first century, peace support and crisis management operations now incorporate conflict management, conflict resolution, capacity building and security sector reform. As part of Ireland’s foreign policy we will continue to support the European Union in responding to the challenges of an increasingly more globalised world and in supporting the United Nations. In this regard, Ireland continues to offer, through the UN Standby Arrangements System, to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time.