Results 43,441-43,460 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The European External Action Service, the EEAS, is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. The Treaty provides that the EEAS will comprise officials from relevant departments of the Commission and the Council Secretariat, as well as staff seconded from the national diplomatic...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: There are currently five bodies which operate under the aegis of my Department: the Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC); the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon); the Audit Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs/NGO Standing Committee on Human Rights; and the Fulbright Commission (e Board of the Ireland...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: In June I received a copy of the Passport Service investigation into the use of forged Irish passports in a Dubai incident. This investigation reached the conclusion that an Israeli government agency was responsible for the misuse and, most likely, the manufacture of the forged Irish passports associated with the murder in Dubai. As a result of my recommendation to Government, and by way of...

Written Answers — Terrorist Attacks: Terrorist Attacks (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: While I am aware of the recent travel advisories issued by other countries to their citizens travelling to Europe, it is the Department of Foreign Affairs that issues detailed travel advice for the benefit of Irish citizens travelling or resident abroad. The Department's advice is available on its website, www.dfa.ie. It reflects a considered assessment of the risks involved and is based on...

Written Answers — United Nations General Assembly: United Nations General Assembly (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: A major event marking the opening of this year's General Assembly session was the High Level Summit meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) convened by Secretary General Ban and which took place from 20-22 September. I was honoured to head the Irish Delegation to this important event and to deliver Ireland's statement to the Summit on 21 September in which I restated Ireland's...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 386 together. I can assure the Deputy that I recognise the need for all countries in the Western Balkans, including Serbia, to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The EU's Stabilisation and Association Agreement process provides the framework for cooperation on economic, political and legal...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, as well as the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the territory based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, is continuing his efforts to convene direct negotiations...

Written Answers — Overseas Elections: Overseas Elections (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The development of Ethiopia as a stable and democratic State is of great importance to Ireland and to the European Union. Ethiopia is one of the priority countries within our official development cooperation programme and is an important and influential country in the Horn of Africa region. Elections to the House of Representatives and the State Councils took place in Ethiopia in May 2010....

Written Answers — International Investigations: International Investigations (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: In the wake of the events of 31 May, I echoed the call of the President of the UN Security Council on 1 June for a "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards", and I spoke in support of the efforts of Secretary General Ban to establish a panel along these lines. On 2 August the Secretary General announced the setting up of a 4-person...

Written Answers — Overseas Elections: Overseas Elections (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Presidential and legislative elections took place on 3 October in Brazil. The results of the Presidential election gave 46.9% of the vote to Workers' Party (PT) candidate Dilma Rousseff, 32.6% to José Serra of the Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PDSB), and 19.3% to Marina Silva of the Green Party (PV). As no candidate achieved more than 50% of the votes cast, a second round in the...

Written Answers — Millennium Development Goals: Millennium Development Goals (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 107 and 110 together. Ireland is committed to the full realisation of all human rights, and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including the seventh Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Through the Government's development...

Written Answers — EU Meetings: EU Meetings (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D., attended the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels from 4 to 5 October. The overarching theme of the meeting was 'Quality of Life'. The ASEM Summit brought together the leaders of 46 countries, representing half of the world's GDP, two thirds of the world's population and almost two thirds of global trade. New...

Written Answers — Overseas Elections: Overseas Elections (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government remains closely engaged at both European Union and international level in monitoring the situation in Burma and in supporting the Burmese people in their struggle for democracy and human rights. In relation to the upcoming elections scheduled to be held in November, the electoral laws published in March indicate that the regime intends to control every aspect of the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 112, 119, 123 and 394 together. The human rights situation in Iran has deteriorated significantly, from an already poor position, since the Presidential election in 2009. I am gravely concerned about the widespread, arbitrary and sometimes politically-motivated use of the death penalty in Iran, the possibility of execution by stoning, the execution of minors...

Written Answers — United Nations Reform: United Nations Reform (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: As I outlined in my address to the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September, Ireland believes strongly in the need for reform of the United Nations. Ireland has actively championed the reform agenda at the UN in recent years and will continue to do so. In terms of the UN's development architecture, Ireland is particularly supportive of the 'Delivering as One' approach at country...

Written Answers — Undocumented Irish: Undocumented Irish (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States remains an important priority for this Government. The Government is also committed to working with our friends in Congress to enhance Ireland's bilateral visa arrangements with the US through the establishment of an E-3 type reciprocal visa facility. This would be a two year renewable working visa scheme. In addition, I...

Written Answers — EU Membership: EU Membership (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The European Union enjoys a long and close relationship with Turkey. Accession negotiations were opened in 2005 and Ireland continues to make a constructive input to on-going negotiations. As a beneficiary of a past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is broadly supportive of enlargement. The prospect of enlargement bolsters economic and political reform...

Written Answers — EU Meetings: EU Meetings (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: On 16 September I accompanied the Taoiseach to a meeting of the European Council in Brussels which was convened by President Van Rompuy to consider the EU's approach to external relations and its engagement with strategic partners. The meeting confirmed the lead role of the European Council in defining the EU's strategic interests and objectives. Issues highlighted at the meeting included...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government looks forward to the further development of the EU's relations with Israel, as with all our Mediterranean partners. I have, however, made very clear, both in the Dáil and at EU level, my firm view that it is not appropriate to proceed with the proposed "upgrade" of EU-Israel relations at this time. The proposed upgrade has been suspended. Substantial progress in the...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I have regular contact with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, including at Foreign Affairs Council meetings in Brussels. Our bilateral discussions have covered a range of issues relevant to our valued bilateral and historic relationship with Spain, including in the EU context. I would be supportive of measures that could contribute to the permanent ending of violence...