Results 45,741-45,760 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Since 2000, some 76 additional posts have been sanctioned for Irish Aid. A total of 16 posts previously attached to the National Committee for Development Education and APSO were integrated into the Department. Given the scale of the increase, 76 additional posts in Irish Aid——

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is good to have a countervailing view to the right wing orthodoxy that is emerging from the Fine Gael Party. It is always nice to have such a palliative intervention. There are some issues in terms of value for money, accountability and managing an expanded programme. I do not know where Deputy Timmins got his figure for staff numbers, which obviously embraces the broader office.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: There are not 15 people in my constituency office. There are three and while they largely deal with constituency issues, they also deal with non-constituency items.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We do have a relationship with the United States and it would be odd if they did not take calls from its Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Last night, a private secretary in my private office worked until 11 p.m. Opposition Members never refer to that. It is all very well to publish figures about numbers of staff. Many people in the public service work late hours, above and beyond the call of duty, and do not get the acknowledgement for that kind of engagement.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We did actually.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The question related to staffing generally. The Department has shown a commendable efficiency in how it has expanded its work and in reducing overtime and temporary workers. The vast majority of increased staff actually effected a significant reduction in temporary contracted staff in the Passport Office. The number of passport applications has greatly increased owing to additional...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The European Union operation in Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, was established for a period of one year from March 2008. It is playing a key role in ensuring the security of refugees and displaced persons living in camps along the eastern border of Chad, and in facilitating the provision of humanitarian relief, as well as in protecting the UN policing mission in the...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We abhor and are very determined to avoid a vacuum or any uncertainty arising. We shall be pressing very hard for clear decisions, not just a resolution but actually a clear pathway for the UN force coming in on the button, so to speak, so there is a seamless transition from EUFOR. However, there are issues to be considered and obviously the Minister for Defence will take the lead in terms...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The security situation in eastern Chad is relatively peaceful. However, the rainy season will end in the coming weeks and that could bring about increased rebel activity, banditry and criminality, which has implications for safety and security and the overall secure environment EUFOR is seeking to develop. Operational Commander Nash is confident EUFOR is in a position of strength to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 30 together. The Government is committed to the full implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement, including the effective operation of all the Institutions — the Northern Ireland Executive, the North-South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council. The Taoiseach and I have conveyed that message to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I agree with the Deputy's proposition that this is a serious situation. The Executive has not met for three months, which, ultimately, has implications for people's confidence in the devolution process. Both Governments, therefore, are anxious that the Executive meets again and that devolution of policing and justice powers proceeds. I take the Deputy's point regarding the St. Andrews...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is our desire that the Executive meets and both Governments have been in constant contact and have been in touch with the political parties, which are aware of our desire and our perspectives on this. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Brown have been in constant contact on this. The Taoiseach has been involved with the parties and he has taken calls and had discussions with the First...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We are all anxious that the Executive meet. The House must acknowledge that all parties in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Féin and the DUP, have made tremendous strides to get to this point. Many have moved on a range of issues. We should never lose sight of the significant steps taken by all parties to having a devolved administration up and running on a power-sharing basis, with...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We have pursued many of these issues with the British Government, including inquiries into particular cases. On the broad political front, both Governments stand together regarding the impasse. From the beginning, our strong relationship has been a fundamental pillar of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. Deputy Higgins referred to Sinn Féin. While we would have preferred to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Yes.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Since France took over the EU Presidency in July, I have accompanied the Taoiseach to two meetings with President Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Kouchner at which we had comprehensive and constructive discussions. Consequently, we have gained a good understanding of each other's position on key EU issues, which will serve us well as we prepare for the October and December European Councils at...

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: In the immediate aftermath of the June Council, there was an interesting discussion on social Europe. The President of the Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, was clear on the necessity for the European Union to demonstrate its relevance to its citizens in terms of expanded social programmes and so forth. I am not sure that the Deputy's depiction of the Union and its institutions is...

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Any country only holds the Presidency for six months. Given that only three months of the French Presidency have passed, we cannot blame France for all of the European Union's identifiable shortcomings. I am satisfied that the Commission is clear on the necessity to do more regarding the social agenda.