Results 761-780 of 6,675 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore in 'Written Answers'

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The new sewage treatment plant in Gaza is critical infrastructure to protect public health, and especially to prevent the total contamination of Gaza’s groundwater, from which all drinking water is drawn, by sewage leaking from the existing inadequate facilities. The future operation of the plant is a matter of speculation, but it is clearly essential that it become fully operational...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 74 together. Ireland’s membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) presents an opportunity to enhance our reputation internationally and to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights. During Ireland’s three year membership of the HRC, which runs from 2013-2015, we are actively working...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy is aware, three members of the Russian music band ‘Pussy Riot’ were sentenced to prison terms of two years on 17 August 2012 following the performance of a satirical song in a Moscow cathedral in February 2012. While the sentence of one band member was subsequently suspended on appeal, the court upheld the custodial sentences imposed on the other two members, Maria...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland has long held the position that only a political solution can bring peace to Syria. I have repeatedly stated my belief that further militarisation is unlikely in any way to contribute to a solution of the conflict or lessen the suffering of the Syrian people. I have also consistently opposed the supply of weapons to all sides of the conflict and continue to do so. The EU has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: In my ongoing contacts with the Secretary of State and with the Northern Ireland Executive, including in the context of the North South Ministerial Council, I have pressed for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement. In my address to the British Irish Association on 7 September, 2013, I pointed out that Northern...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I met with Richard Haass in New York last week to discuss his work and the issues that he has been asked to address by the Northern Ireland Executive. The meeting followed an earlier conversation with him on 13 September last. Our discussions provided a valuable opportunity to hear his considered view on the talks process and to get his assessment of the way forward. I had met the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Question No. 8 (PQ41155/13) on this topic, which was as follows: I have consistently called for the end of all restrictions on movement in and out of Gaza, and will continue to do so. I have also commented on the specific restrictions placed on fishermen. Even though the limit enforced by Israel has been extended from 3 to 6 miles, this is still...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Policy on the placement and treatment of a country’s nationals in prison in the European Union is a matter for the democratically elected government and the relevant competent authorities in each Member State in accordance with domestic, European and international law, and, as such, it would be inappropriate for me to become involved in the matter in question. As I have stated...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Directives (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The timely transposition of EU Directives is a priority for the Government. The Government has established an Interdepartmental Committee on EU Engagement (ICEE) to ensure active oversight of progress by Departments in transposition and implementation of EU legislation. The Committee is also charged with examining and improving overall working methods and the exchange of best practice in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region was discussed at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July, which I attended. At that meeting the Council adopted comprehensive Conclusions in support of the ‘Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region’, which had been concluded in Addis Ababa on 24...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I have clearly stated on numerous occasions that the use of Irish airspace and airports for extraordinary rendition operations has not, and will not, be permitted under any circumstances. The current Programme for Government states clearly that this Government “will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Application Fees (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Yesterday I launched a redesigned Irish passport that incorporates images of Irish landscape and culture with innovative and enhanced security features. Over the lifetime of the contract for this booklet the average cost of the blank book will be halved. In these current economic times the procurement of an enhanced product from an Irish company at a lower cost to the Irish people is to be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Last Wednesday, 25 September, I announced that the Government will make a voluntary contribution of €200,000 in support of the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. This funding will be provided to the trust fund established by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for that purpose. The practical implementation of the framework agreement brokered by the US and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European External Action Service (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The High Representative's Review of the European External Action Service (EEAS), was circulated to EU Foreign Ministers in late July. Ireland welcomes the opportunity to take stock of the performance of the EEAS following its first two and a half years in operation. The Review was the subject of discussions at the informal Foreign Ministers meeting which I co-hosted, together with Cathy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Missions Participation (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ37204.13 on 18 September. I undertook a political and trade mission to China (Beijing and Shanghai) from 30 July to 3 August 2013, at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. The purpose of my visit was to strengthen the high-level political engagement necessary to deliver on the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Ireland and China....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Neutrality (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I read with interest the Red C Poll to which the Deputy refers, which indicates that 78% of the public supports Ireland's policy of neutrality, a policy to which this Government is fully committed and which will remain a lynchpin of our foreign policy for the foreseeable future. This policy, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances, is underpinned by a set of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The Good Friday Agreement recognizes the need to elaborate the principles according to which society could be protected and flourish and a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is fundamental to ensuring these principles are given a legislative base. I believe that it is important that all voices are included in the process to formulate a Bill of Rights, most particularly civil society.I have...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: This is an issue I treat with the very highest priority. During my visit to the US last week, I spoke with several key contacts in the US Congress including leading members of the House Judiciary Committee, Minority House Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, Pete King. I also met with representatives of Irish community groups as well as some community...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: This is an issue I treat with the very highest priority. During my visit to the US last week, I spoke with several key contacts in the US Congress including leading members of the House Judiciary Committee, Minority House Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, Pete King. I also met with representatives of Irish community groups as well as some community...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Enlargement (2 Oct 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 91 together. Enlargement remains one of the European Union’s most successful policies, fostering peace, stability and prosperity, and the Western Balkans region remains central to enlargement policy. Already this year, in addition to Croatia’s accession, we have seen significant progress in relation to Serbia and Kosovo in particular....