Results 2,981-3,000 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 44: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent meetings between members of the Government and their Northern Ireland counterparts. [31906/09]

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 45: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing response to the recent discovery of a bomb in south Armagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31907/09]

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 47: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the Farrell Grant Sparks report on the level of oversight regarding spending in his Department, in particular on Irish Aid. [31909/09]

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 48: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposal, emanating from the Department of Finance, that Ireland reduce its number of embassies and network of consulates worldwide, reportedly from 76 to 55; his further views on whether such a move would damage Ireland internationally and impair relationships with a number of countries, with attendant cultural, business...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 49: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the damage which may be caused to Irish-Canadian relations if reported plans to close the Irish embassy there are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31911/09]

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 50: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the damage which may be caused to Irish-Mexican relations if reported plans to close the Irish embassy there are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/09]

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 51: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the damage which may be caused to relations between Ireland and Latin America if reported plans to close embassies in the region are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31913/09]

Order of Business (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to raise two matters. It is reported that the Government does not propose to sign the optional protocol of the United Nations convention on economic, social and cultural rights that is opening for signature this week. Will the Tánaiste indicate whether the Government proposes to publish its reasons for not signing? Ireland was expected to sign this international instrument. Has the...

Order of Business (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I will conclude with the Ceann Comhairle's permission. Will the reports lead to a lengthy process for a new agreement? Is it proposed that an interim agreement be prepared to enable those caught in the process to resolve their situations?

Order of Business (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: The Deputy is correct.

Public Appointments Transparency Bill 2008: Second Stage. (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister of State did not get them there.

Public Appointments Transparency Bill 2008: Second Stage. (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to share time with Deputies Morgan and Penrose.

Public Appointments Transparency Bill 2008: Second Stage. (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I join the general commendation to Deputy Varadkar on introducing this Bill, which attempts to commence the reform of the process relating to public appointments and to introduce a measure of transparency. The Government should accept the suggestion to the effect that there should be a greater level of transparency. If it has its own proposals in this regard, it should bring them forward. A...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 45: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that responsibility for the operation of immigration control at the point of entry should be transferred to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; and if he will make a statement on...

Written Answers — Refugee Resettlement Programme: Refugee Resettlement Programme (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 58: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the calls made by the European Commission for more refugees from conflict zones to be admitted into the EU; the steps he is taking in order to achieve this aim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31742/09]

Written Answers — EU Enlargement: EU Enlargement (22 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 237: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on accession discussions being held between Iceland and European Union. [32070/09]

Human Rights Issues. (23 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent expulsion of UNICEF officials from Sri Lanka for seeking to highlight the detention of civilians and treatment of children, among others, during the conflict in the country; if he supports the call for an international investigation into human rights abuses; his views on same; and the steps the...

Human Rights Issues. (23 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I am grateful to the Minister of State for his reply but it is rather depressing to hear that so little can be done. I put a number of points to the Minister of State. I understand the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, is in New York today raising the issue with the President of Sri Lanka. In that regard I trust the international community will support the Secretary General in...

Human Rights Issues. (23 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: There is a serious issue with which both Ministers of State will be familiar. It was an opinion advanced by Dr. Sahnoun, among others, that the previous Secretary General of the United Nations has stressed the importance of humanitarian protection. In both this case and in a case I will discuss presently related to Gaza the sovereignty argument is being used to defeat the humanitarian...

Departmental Expenditure. (23 Sep 2009)

Michael D Higgins: The list which was mentioned would do irreversible damage to our reputation.