Results 46,061-46,080 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: This was a particularly shocking and brutal murder, one which has been widely, and rightly, condemned. My predecessor met with the parents of the deceased young man, as did the then Taoiseach and also the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. They conveyed to them the sympathy of the Government on their terrible loss and the Government's determination to see justice done in...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government continues to attach the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. The former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D, strongly emphasised this commitment during his address to the US Congress on 30 April. During the visit of the former Taoiseach to Washington, my predecessor, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., participated in his meetings with...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: The pay roll system in operation in my Department is the CorePay system which was implemented on the recommendation of the Department of Finance in 2001. There are no bodies under the aegis of my Department which operate an independent pay roll system. The following table gives particulars of the maintenance and on-going development costs incurred by the CorePay system for the years 2004 to...

Written Answers — Emigrant Statistics: Emigrant Statistics (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: The global spread of our Diaspora is very considerable. For a small nation, it is practically unparalleled. Our largest emigrant communities have consistently lived in Britain and the United States, Irish citizens have also been an influential presence in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Southern Africa for very many decades. While the precise number of Irish citizens resident...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: Ireland's diplomatic network consists of 75 resident Missions abroad, in addition to offices in Armagh and Belfast. These Missions also have over 80 additional accreditations to other countries and organisations. There are also 21 Honorary Consuls General and 67 Honorary Consuls who provide assistance to Irish citizens in 59 countries. Ambassadorial appointments are made by the President on...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: My Department works closely with Irish sporting organisations to ensure that our citizens attending major sporting events abroad receive a first class consular service. In accordance with normal practice, I intend to have additional resources allocated to our Embassy in Sofia, which is accredited to Georgia, and to our Embassy in Budapest, which is accredited to Montenegro, to ensure that the...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government consistently raises in its contacts with the British Government ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles. These issues are currently being considered by the Independent Consultative Group on the Past, which was established in June 2007, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Robin Eames and Denis Bradley. The Government welcomed the establishment of the Consultative...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of this correspondence and share the concerns of the group regarding the situation facing the Palestinian people. The Government has consistently and actively promoted efforts to find a lasting, peaceful and just settlement to the Israeli — Palestinian conflict. We have been to the fore in arguing directly with the parties, in cooperation with our EU partners, and at the United...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters, will decentralise to Limerick. Good progress has been made and personnel have either been assigned to, or identified for, 108 posts or approximately 87% of the 124 posts being decentralised. The new permanent offices for Irish Aid...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am advised by FÁS that it is not currently aware of any Community Employment projects in rural areas where supervisors are encountering difficulties in recruiting workers. Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their...

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper on multi-unit developments in December 2006.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: That identified a broad range of regulatory and other issues arising ——

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: Can I respond to Deputy Burton please? The Law Reform Commission has now indicated it will publish its final report on multi-unit developments as soon as possible which, following an extensive consultation process, will contain reform proposals concerning the regulation and governance of property management companies. The Government has already directed that early action be taken by the...

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: To answer Deputy Burton's point ——

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: Does Deputy Stagg want to hear my reply or does he wish to continue heckling and interrupting, in which case he will not get a reply?

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is the Government's view that separate legislation may be required in advance of the companies regulation Bill. We may not await that Bill to deal with the matter.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am not in a position to indicate a timeframe for the legislation.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: I have made my point.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is proposed to take No. 19, Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 4, Chemicals Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil, on rising today, shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 May.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is proposed that during the first week of June the Dáil will sit on Wednesday and Thursday, and that it will not sit the week of the referendum. There is no specific legislation on the blood testing issue raised by the Deputy. I can request that the Minister concerned provide more specific detail on the issue, and we will get back to him.