Results 2,061-2,080 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this matter on 14 April 2006. The international community has adopted a clear and united approach in relation to the outcome of the democratic Palestinian elections on 25 January and the approval of a new Government by the Palestinian Legislative Council on 28 March. The meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 365 together. The statement made on 20 March by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jahangir, is the latest in a series of reports which raise serious concerns about the situation of the Baha'i community in Iran. My Department maintains close contacts with the Baha'i community in Ireland about the situation of their...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: As I made clear in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 22 February 2006, Ireland's support for the concept of an arms trade treaty is unqualified. The process of negotiating such a treaty is, however, likely to be lengthy and complex and it is not at this stage possible to forecast when or in what form a final text might emerge. The General Affairs and External Relations Council of...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I travelled to the United States from 11 to 17 March to represent the Government at promotional events in Dallas before attending the customary St. Patrick's Day ceremonies in Washington. On 17 March, I accompanied the Taoiseach to the White House for the traditional presentation of shamrock, followed by a meeting with President Bush in the Oval Office. Our discussions with the President...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: For the period in question, I made 60 trips involving 74 destinations. The dates, destinations and purpose of the visits abroad made by me as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2005 and in 2006, to date, are set out in the table attached. Several of the visits in 2005 were undertaken in my capacity as Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations in connection with UN reform. On...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Passport fees are set by statutory instrument and these apply irrespective whether the applicant resides in Ireland or abroad. In the case of citizens living abroad therefore, who apply to their local embassy or consulate, the requirement is that they are charged the local currency equivalent of the relevant euro fee. Passport fees for Jordan would be as follows: JD 62.60, €75, for the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: While attacks against oil installations in the Niger Delta region have occurred for a number of years, and while the level and intensity of these attacks have increased significantly since the start of 2006, it would not be correct to characterise these events as mass killings or ethnic cleansing. The growing insecurity and violence highlights long-standing problems of lack of development in...

Written Answers — European Council: European Council (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the European Ombudsman's recommendation regarding the Council of Ministers meeting in public. I have frequently expressed my support for greater transparency in the business of the Council of Ministers, particularly when performing its legislative functions. I would recall that Article I — 24.6 of the Constitutional Treaty provides that the Council of Ministers should meet in...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Only an Irish citizen is entitled to be issued with an Irish passport. The person, to whom the Deputy refers, is not entitled to Irish citizenship through descent as neither of her parents was an Irish citizen at the time of her birth. Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, 1956 to 2004, the basic requirement for obtaining citizenship by descent, through what is called foreign...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I welcome the publication of Amnesty International's thorough and detailed report into the issue of extraordinary rendition. The Government has made clear on numerous occasions its complete opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition. The report highlights the difficulties attached to trying to track the aircraft and companies that are said to be involved in this practice. It seems...

Written Answers — Legal Services: Legal Services (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together. The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes, Vote 28, foreign affairs, and Vote 29, international co-operation. For the period in question, the Department sought advice on a range of administrative matters such as contracts, procurement and employment issues at headquarters and at our missions abroad, as well on a...

Written Answers — Legal Services: Legal Services (25 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The legal division of the Department of Foreign Affairs comprises seven lawyers and is headed by the legal adviser. The role of the division is primarily to advise the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Department on matters of public international law, human rights law and EU law. The report of the review group, paragraphs 4.13-4.17, acknowledges the distinction between the role of the...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (26 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together. The meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, which I attended in Luxembourg on 10 April reviewed developments in the Middle East peace process in the light of the approval of a new Government by the Palestinian Legislative Council and the outcome of the Israeli general elections. There was consensus...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (26 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: This case continues to be monitored by my Department through the Irish Embassy in London, which remains in contact with the prison authorities. In particular, the embassy has made representations to the prison authorities in relation to the medical condition of the person. A diplomatic officer from the embassy is due to visit the person in the next few weeks. As regards possible repatriation,...

Seanad: Middle East Peace Process: Statements. (26 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I welcome this opportunity to make a statement to the House on developments in the Middle East peace process. The process has reached a critical point and I know there is concern, and some unease, at recent events and their implications. The search for a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has for many years been a central concern of Irish foreign policy under...

Written Answers — Human Rights Abuses: Human Rights Abuses (27 Apr 2006)

Dermot Ahern: As I explained to the House in reply to a question on 25 April 2006, I am aware of the difficulties facing the Baha'i community in Iran. The statement made on 20 March by the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, is the latest in a series of reports which raise serious concerns about the matter. The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains close contacts with...

Leaders' Questions. (3 May 2006)

Dermot Ahern: There never will be——

Leaders' Questions. (3 May 2006)

Dermot Ahern: ——and long may it continue.

Leaders' Questions. (3 May 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Morgan is doing that. He wrote to a 62 year old man welcoming him as a new constituent.

Leaders' Questions. (3 May 2006)

Dermot Ahern: He happened to be a Fianna Fáil councillor.