Results 201-220 of 939 for speaker:Noel Treacy

EU Treaties. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: I very much concur with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Finian McGrath. Thankfully, Europe has come a long way since the events and atrocities to which he referred. These issues were raised with the Romanians during negotiations at EU level. I presume they will continue to be highlighted in the period before Romania becomes a full member of the EU. I assure the Deputy I will pursue this...

Human Rights Issues. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 24, 29, 67 and 74 together. The Government has consistently condemned the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma and the continuing abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in that country. Together with our EU partners, we remain gravely concerned about the continuing house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other opposition activists and a number...

Human Rights Issues. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: The response was robust, defensive, protectionist and to the effect that it did not like interference by another state in its internal affairs. However, we were strong. I have a personal interest in this issue. I was pleased to be there. As one of the earlier speakers, on behalf of Ireland, I made a strong case for our demands. I was pleased there was a strong and solid cohesive response from...

Human Rights Issues. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: There are many countries across the world that have commercial interests in countries in different parts of the world, particularly in areas where there is terrorism, discrimination and a lack of basic human rights. However, I am optimistic in this regard as a result of the decision taken by at least one country to call on Burma not to chair the summit later this year. We did not expect that....

Human Rights Issues. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: Ireland and the European Union will be guided by the principle of inclusion and dialogue and exerting pressure internally rather than external communication that would not have a major impact. On that basis, it was considered it would be preferable to try to bring these people to the table, get them to see their ways and get them to accept the consensus and the demand not only from Ireland...

Human Rights Issues. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: Certainly not from an Irish point of view.

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 17, 55, 76, 86 and 89 together. As the House will be aware, the target date for the entry into force of the European constitution, following ratification by all 25 member states in accordance with their own constitutional requirements, is 1 November 2006. Ratification by Ireland will require a referendum to amend the Irish Constitution. The Government has...

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: I made it clear at the end of my reply that it is a matter for each member state to take into account its legal and constitutional position and make it own decision. That is what Ireland will do. There are still four weeks remaining before the referendum will be held in France. I am optimistic about the outcome of the referendum, given the central role France has played in the European Union...

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: Like a Cork person, I do not have such resources.

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: I am mindful of what Deputy Quinn has said. While other colleagues spoke about circulating copies of the constitution to households throughout the country, it is a document of 500 pages. We have given much thought to this. We have published some documentation on the website and we will publish more. There is a lo-call facility for the public who can request to have the constitution posted to...

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: We are very anxious to be involved with all the parties in these discussions. During all referenda, we have had discussions with both the Fine Gael and Labour parties as pro-European parties to decide the best consensual way to proceed. It would be an invasion of Government into the Deputy's party's affairs in view of the debate he publicly announced is going on within his party. When he has...

EU Constitution. (28 Apr 2005)

Noel Treacy: The categoric answer to the Deputy's question on whether the EU constitution will create a federal state is "Absolutely no". On Deputy Gormley's point, I am amazed that he has documentation such as this so easily available. I thought it was a private document. I am pleased there is collaboration and communication across the membership of the House to ensure there is inclusivity. In reply to...

Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (12 May 2005)

Noel Treacy: Two years.

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: I propose to answer Questions Nos. 2 and 4 together. The Government very much regrets the outcome of the referenda in France and the Netherlands on the European constitution. However, we fully respect the democratic right of the people of each country to make their own decision, as we respect the decisions of those other member states that have already ratified the constitution. The European...

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: To answer the last question first, it is a matter for each member state to decide how it may ratify the EU constitution. I cannot guess what the United Kingdom will do.

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: The United Kingdom will take up the EU presidency on 1 July and will clearly play a major part at the European Council meeting on 16 and 17 June. We await the suggestions it will bring to the table regarding how we can move ahead. Ireland will take its own decision as a sovereign nation with its own Government and this Parliament. We will take our own decision in due course, based on what we...

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: I agree with some of the sentiments expressed by Deputy Allen. I thank him and his party, as I do Deputy Michael Higgins and his party for the powerful and solid support and endorsement they have given for the EU constitution over the past 12 months. I do not know where Deputy Allen got the idea that a decision had been made. Nobody said the decision was made. We have not made a decision. We...

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: No decision has been made. We have given clear answers. Since I took up my post on 30 September of last year, it was clear that a decision on a referendum would be made during the year ahead.

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: We made a clear decision that we would proceed and it was on that basis that we published the legislation. However, we never said when that referendum would be held — we have not made that decision. I do not want anybody to be under the misapprehension that we made a decision on a date as we have not done so.

European Constitution. (2 Jun 2005)

Noel Treacy: Allow me to answer the questions. We have made no decision on a date. We have published the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill and are working on a White Paper which will be brought forward as soon as it is available. There is no shortage of leadership from either the Taoiseach or the Government.