Results 3,121-3,140 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I am impressed by my colleague's knowledge of the whereabouts of all these military attachés. I could not even attempt to compete with that.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Will the Minister of State give some indication of the purpose of the Bill? There is no explanatory memorandum and I am uncertain of its function and context. In dealing with any legislation, it is important that Members should have some type of briefing as to its impact and the reasons for its introduction. Have there been abuses of the system whereby, for example, diplomatic immunity was...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It was wise for the Minister of State to do so. The football and hurling seasons have come to a satisfactory conclusion from the point of view of all concerned. I am sure it was a Freudian slip.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The Vienna Convention also affords the premises of an embassy of a foreign country or international organisation freedom from taxation. I presume these and other inviolabilities outlined by the Minister of State, including the inviolability of archives and official documents and of the person of the diplomatic or official officers of the foreign state or international organisation in...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Absolutely. Everybody was there and Ireland was well represented. I was particularly impressed by the diplomatic——

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The wine was on a par with most. Deputy McGrath would recognise a good wine.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It is merely the convivial nature of the conversation. I was most impressed by the degree to which members of the Irish Embassy and the trade mission were alert and worked from early morning until late at night. They were able to make presentations instantly, were professional in the way they did business and competed more effectively then many other delegations. People should write about...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I would be quite glad to accompany him there on a return visit.

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: The Deputy will not have to worry about the wine in that case. My praise applies to all our embassy staff. I have seen their work first hand. The current situation is different to that of 30 years ago. They are much more professional, incisive and fearless in the way they go about their business. Credit should be given where it is due. Those who have provided these services over the years...

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I was wondering if the Deputy would enlighten the House.

Overseas Missions. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 165: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the debate on Ireland's participation in a European rapid response force has evolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/05]

Defence Forces Strength. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 155: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Force and the Army reserve by rank and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26116/05]

Defence Forces Strength. (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 163: To ask the Minister for Defence if the current and anticipated strength of the Permanent Defence Force is adequate to meet current home and overseas commitments; the way in which this will develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 19: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources and equipment are available to the Defence Forces in the event of their being called upon to assist following a terrorist attack or natural disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25979/05]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 66: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in relation to Ireland's participation in a European rapid response-reaction force; the extent to which the concept has been developed in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25978/05]

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 84: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he or his European colleagues have considered the degree to which enhanced coastal surveillance can be achieved with a view to combating ongoing serious drug trafficking with particular reference to the coast around Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26118/05]

Written Answers — Criminal Prosecutions: Criminal Prosecutions (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 131: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been on remand in the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin since June 1994; if he has been charged or convicted; if further charges are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26111/05]

Written Answers — Refugee Status: Refugee Status (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 132: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to refuse refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26112/05]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Property: Defence Forces Property (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 156: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding future housing prospects for Army overholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26117/05]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (29 Sep 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 157: To ask the Minister for Defence the situation in relation to Ireland's participation in PfP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26119/05]