Results 2,961-2,980 of 32,547 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Forthcoming General Affairs Council: Minister of State (13 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: It is a matter that falls more within the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello. It is certainly not a proposal or matter for discussion at either the Foreign Affairs Council or the General Affairs and External Relations Council next week.

European Council: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I will respond to the different points the Deputies made. Deputy Boyd Barrett asked about the property sector and what he believes is taking place with regard to property prices and the significant difficulties to do with homelessness. He first asked me whether there was a European sphere of engagement on this topic. I must emphasise that policy on the delivery of housing, whether it be...

European Council: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I will respond to questions that were put to me, beginning with Deputy Boyd Barrett. I did not answer questions about Ukraine because he did not put such questions to me. Now that he has, I will respond to that point. With regard to property, I refer to a point I made earlier. Do I believe house price increases at the moment constitute a macroeconomic imbalance? I do not believe so...

European Council: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: -----I am certain those in receipt of funding in Ireland use it for the purposes to which it is intended. I am certain of that. If there are any question marks about it, I am sure it will be investigated by the proper bodies.

European Council: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: On the comments about someone who is a respected and experienced MEP from my party, I have already said the approach of the Government is to, at the best possible moment, take the right steps to gain value back for the Irish taxpayer. With regard to the broader points put to me and in concluding on other areas that have not been touched on in the European Council discussions, I refer to...

Report on the Contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to Economic Recovery: Statements (28 Mar 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Chairman of the committee, Deputy Pat Breen, for bringing the report to the Dáil and for the opportunity to debate and discuss it today. Like others I acknowledge and thank all of the committee members who have made a contribution to the report and will comment on it during this debate, including Deputies Byrne, Crowe, Mitchell, O'Sullivan and Smith. I will make...

Report on Defence Forces Service with the United Nations in 2013: Referral to Select Committee: Middle East Issues (1 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Deputies for raising the issue. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, has consistently made clear the Government's strong criticism of and opposition to Israeli settlements and settlement expansion, which are illegal under international law and constitute a major obstacle to peace. Settlements and related policies in area C seem...

Report on Defence Forces Service with the United Nations in 2013: Referral to Select Committee: Middle East Issues (1 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank Deputies Lawlor and Nolan again for their contributions. I agree with Deputy Nolan's analysis regarding the inherent complexity of the situation, the weight of history and the dilemmas and challenges facing the countries and communities in the region. Amid this complexity, the view of the Government, one which is clearly shared by the Deputies, is that we strongly support a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: National Reform Programme for Ireland 2014: Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the committee for the opportunity to make this presentation. A copy of my speech is on its way to the committee and we will have an opportunity to circulate it during the session. First, I thank the committee for its invitation to join members here today and welcome the opportunity to engage with them on the European semester process and the preparation for Ireland’s...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: National Reform Programme for Ireland 2014: Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Chairman and all members for their contributions today. I will kick off with an overview of the points made to me. If one considers the range of issues that have arisen, which include everything from the post-leaving certificate courses to nuclear energy, with a bit of Bonar Law in the middle, the breadth of those issues is absolutely huge. I do not mean that in a flippant...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: National Reform Programme for Ireland 2014: Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Yesterday the director general of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, commented on issues pertaining to consultant costs and monitoring. His comments and those of the Minister for Health suggest issues have arisen in this regard and that we have to move to address them. I am aware from my time on the Committee of Public Accounts that it is a complicated issue, but it is receiving the attention it...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The Government welcomes that the political talks on parades, flags and identity issues and dealing with the past have resumed following a break over the St. Patrick’s Day period. As the Tánaiste has said previously in this House, it was disappointing that the party leaders had not made more progress in their discussions before St. Patrick’s Day, following the substantial...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I can categorically assure him of the urgency and priority that is being given to the successful conclusion of these talks and negotiations. We are aware of the very difficult and dangerous backdrop to these discussions, to which the Deputy referred. We all know that since 2009 dissident and terrorist groups have now been responsible for the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The key line in my earlier answer is that there is an expectation that all parties that are involved in this must and should deliver. It is crucial that momentum is maintained to deliver a prompt conclusion to these vital negotiations. I also want to acknowledge the role that all parties are playing in this and to articulate my regret that the UUP has withdrawn. I have already made clear...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Shannon Airport Facilities (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, which has been pursued by successive Governments, is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. This policy has been underpinned by a set of complementary values which includes the protection of human rights, support for development and the promotion of disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. ...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Shannon Airport Facilities (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Deputy for his question. I want to respond to two of the main questions he has put to me. On the first one regarding the allegations and claims that Irish airports have been used in some way for extraordinary rendition, I want to emphasise again to the House that the Government has on several occasions made it very clear to the United States Government that it would be illegal...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Shannon Airport Facilities (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: However, I so do in making clear to the Deputy the point the Government has made in respect of the claim of extraordinary rendition and the assurances and commitments it has received in return.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Shannon Airport Facilities (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Deputy for the question. In respect of neutrality, as the Deputy would expect I am a strong supporter of Ireland's neutrality. In my current role, I can discern the huge benefit it brings to Ireland to allow the Government to conduct its foreign policy in line with the values I believe Irish people to have. On the Deputy's point regarding a referendum, there are no such plans...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Ireland has strongly condemned Russian actions from the outset of this crisis. The annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol following the illegal referendum on 16 March is a flagrant violation of international law, including some of its most fundamental norms. For its part, the Ukrainian Government is to be commended on the measured response it has shown in the face of this provocation. There...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Apr 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank the Deputy for his question. An informal meeting of foreign affairs Ministers will take place tomorrow and on Saturday morning. The main subject for discussion tomorrow is Ukraine and the situation that is taking place in the region. Shortly thereafter, within the next two weeks, there will be a meeting of the foreign affairs Ministers of the European Union at the Foreign Affairs...