Results 2,921-2,940 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware that a number of arrests have been made in Colombia in connection with the alleged association of members of Congress and Government officials with paramilitary groups. Any association between elected representatives and officials and paramilitary groups is a matter of serious concern. I understand that the charges levelled at those allegedly involved are being taken forward...

Written Answers — Family Law Act: Family Law Act (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: An application for a Certificat de Coutume, confirming that the person to whom the Deputy has referred is free to marry abroad, was received by the Department. It is not possible to approve the application as the Department is not satisfied that the applicant's divorce would be recognised under Irish law and that, consequently, she would be free to marry again. While I have every sympathy...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: My Department, which has an overall coordinating role in EU matters, does not as a rule have responsibility for transposing EU measures into Irish law. There are currently no Directives awaiting transposition in my Department. My colleague, Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs, chairs the Interdepartmental Committee on European Affairs, which keeps the transposition of...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Government has worked consistently to ensure that all the remaining border crossings closed by the British authorities on grounds of security were reopened as part of the wider process of security normalisation in Northern Ireland, and in order to facilitate regional economic development. To date, 102 such roads have been reopened since 1994, with just two remaining closed, at Annaghroe...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs will decentralise to Limerick. This is scheduled to take place during the second half of 2007 and will involve the relocation to Limerick of 124 posts. In addition, and in order to help effect the smoothest possible transfer to Limerick, plans are in train for an...

Written Answers — Services for People with Disabilities: Services for People with Disabilities (20 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Department of Foreign Affairs has appointed an Access Officer in compliance with the Disability Act 2005. The Access Officer looks after the provision of assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing the Department's services. Persons with a hearing disability can make contact with the Department through fax and e-mail, as well as the "contact us" facilities on the...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I thank the Deputy for his remarks. When the European Council met the Government had not been finally formed and ratified. Indeed, as we met, negotiations were still going on regarding the make-up of the Government and therefore any reference in the Council conclusions to it would have had to be on the basis of the position that existed at that time. Since that time the Government has been...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I do not believe that a member of Hamas will ever formally recognise the State of Israel because it goes against the charter under which Hamas was formed. If the Deputy ever gets the opportunity to go to Israel one of the first things the Israeli Foreign Minister would do would be to give him a copy of the Hamas charter, which clearly indicates its core aim is the destruction of Israel.

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The international community is waiting to see how by their actions the members of the national unity Government will address the issue. While perhaps not giving formal recognition to Israel it may implicitly understand and recognise that the only solution to the conflict in the Middle East is through the recognition of a two-state solution, which in effect would recognise the existence of...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: As always the main issues at the spring European Council meeting were economic. However, this time discussion on climate change was very much to the fore, which was greatly welcomed by Ireland. The NPT review is following the normal five-year cycle, which leads up to 2010. We are now co-ordinating the preparations with others for the first preparatory committee meeting next month. As I...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: There was no discussion when I was present on the EU and India. Later this afternoon I will be answering questions on the matter. The issue of the EU-India agreement has been prolonged. It is not likely that any real movement in that regard will take place for some considerable time.

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: In regard to EU citizens having a vote in Ireland, they have a vote in local and European elections.

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I am not aware of any move to give them the right to vote in general elections. That issue would have to be taken up with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It would also have to be dealt with on a European-wide basis because not every country has the same rules across borders. The Government is strongly considering a move to deal in some way with the...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: That is the case despite our recent figures. It is the case that our greenhouse gas emissions have been over the targets agreed but one has to take into account that the economy grew by 150% since 1990. We have commitments to meet in regard to climate change and climate change strategy but at the same time we have a duty to ensure it is not done in such a way that it is unsustainable from...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: That is the balance that we on this side of the House have a duty and a responsibility to ensure. We have to ensure that on the one hand we are not making pyrrhic gestures in that we are trying to exhort all other blocs in the world to do their duty in responding to the Stern report. There is no point in Ireland on its own, or the EU on its own or most of the western world on its own...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: ——such as China, India and Asia are not playing their part for climate change.

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: It is important that we treat this issue on a national basis, as we are doing, by setting detailed targets and putting this country to the pin of its collar over the next 20 years and at international level exhorting all those other more powerful blocs which are not fulfilling their commitments in any shape or form to ensure they rise to the very considerable challenge ahead of them.

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: There was no discussion on that matter at the European Council. That matter would normally be discussed at GAERC meetings.

Human Rights Issues. (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 84 together. The political, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe is a matter of the most serious concern. There is no indication that the Zimbabwean Government is willing to alter the malign policies which have destroyed the country's economy nor is there any sign of an intention to introduce real and necessary democratic reforms. On the...

Human Rights Issues. (21 Mar 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I agree with what the Deputy has said. There is no doubt that the EU has a very important role to play, but the African nations surrounding Zimbabwe also have a role to play. It is necessary to gain more support. As the Deputy noted, some of the countries have not been forthcoming in that respect. Southern African states have a role to play in that respect. The restrictions put in place...