Results 3,381-3,400 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 73 together. The Multi Annual Programme Scheme, (MAPS), is a funding scheme which has been established with a number of core NGOs with the aim of strengthening strategic and programmatic co-operation and providing a flexible and predictable funding framework. Five NGOs participated in MAPS — Christian Aid Ireland, Concern, Goal, Self Help Development...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the report from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to which the Deputy refers. The Mungiki came into existence in 1980 as a political grouping of members of the Kikuyu tribe, but over time has transformed into a criminal syndicate which is allegedly involved in extortion and may be responsible for several murders. It goes without saying that all police operations...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 79, 83, 105, 106 and 113 together. The situation in Pakistan was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November. My colleagues and I expressed our deep concern at developments in that country and again reiterated our call for the immediate lifting of emergency rule. Our position remains clear. The Government of Pakistan...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 308 together. I visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo during 6-9 November for a series of meetings with senior political figures. While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I met with Foreign Minister Alkalaj and Prime Minister Spiric. Discussions focused on recent political developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the country's relations with the EU,...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Along with our partners in the EU, Ireland's position on the Kosovo final status issue has been that a final settlement must provide for a multi-ethnic, secure and democratic Kosovo, consistent with EU values and standards and contributing to the stability of the region. The EU has consistently highlighted the protection of minorities, and the right to return of refugees and internally...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The individual to whom the Deputy refers, a former member of the American Indian Movement, was convicted of the 1975 murder of two United States Federal Agents by the United States District Court in Fargo, Minneapolis in 1977. Mr. Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, a sentence which has been upheld on numerous occasions by the US appellate courts. I am aware that, in...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 99 together. Ireland is a long-standing and active proponent of the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The Government has argued strongly within the EU and internationally that a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East is more urgently needed now than at any time in the past sixty years. It must be based on a negotiated two-State...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland, together with our EU partners, remains seriously concerned at the grave and persistent human rights abuses and the lack of fundamental freedoms in North Korea. Regrettably, while we avail of every opportunity to raise these issues, any meaningful dialogue on human rights with the North Korean authorities has so far proved impossible. North Korea maintains that there can be no...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: At present, Ireland has a total of 86 Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consuls-General in some 57 countries who are available, as the need arises, to provide information. Their names and locations are contained in the list below. Contact details for each Honorary Consul are to be found on this Department's website www.dfa.ie. Honorary Consulates are generally open during office hours each day,...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Longstanding and close bilateral ties have characterised relations between Ireland and Argentina since resident diplomatic missions were opened in both Dublin and Buenos Aires in 1948. The close nature of our relations is evident in the number of high-level visits to Argentina in recent years. In 1995, former President Robinson paid a State visit to Argentina, while President McAleese paid a...

Written Answers — Irish Communities Abroad: Irish Communities Abroad (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Reaching out to and strengthening links with our communities abroad, and with those of Irish ancestry, is a cornerstone of Government policy. The establishment and operation of the Irish Abroad Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs has greatly enhanced our capacity to develop and implement long term policies aimed at building relations and providing practical and financial assistance...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: My officials have provided information to the Department of Defence on the political and humanitarian situation in Chad, the Central African Republic and the wider region in the context of preparations for Irish involvement in EUFOR Tchad/RCA. I also briefed my Cabinet colleagues on the results of my visit to Sudan and Chad at the Government meeting on 20 November at which a decision was...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I acted as one of the previous Secretary-General's five Special Envoys in the preparation of the UN 2005 World Summit. At the Summit, world leaders reaffirmed the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, and despite the absence of agreement on the various models advanced, they unanimously supported the principle of its early...

Written Answers — Nuclear Disarmament Initiative: Nuclear Disarmament Initiative (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 330 together. The Government and our EU partners share the widespread international concern at Iran's continuing refusal to comply with its international obligations in relation to its nuclear programme. At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Affairs Council which I attended in Brussels on 19 November, we reviewed developments on Iran,...

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 323 together. A key purpose of the EU Reform Treaty, which will be signed by Heads of State and Government on 13 December 2007, is to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the Union. Since 2006, the Houses of the Oireachtas and other national Parliaments in the Union have received European Commission proposals directly from the Commission. The...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: In our regular contacts with the Chinese authorities at various levels we have stressed the importance that Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We have stressed our hope that every effort possible will be made to facilitate freedom of movement and expression, including the right to peaceful protest,...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 116 together. At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended in Brussels last week, we held a detailed discussion with the Iraqi Foreign Minister on the political and security situation in Iraq. We were encouraged by the substantial improvement in the security situation in recent months. It is clear that while...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I have received the correspondence from Amnesty International to which the Deputy refers. A response outlining the Government's position on this matter has been issued by my Office. As the Deputy will be aware from my responses to previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter, Ireland holds the view that those detained in Guantánamo must be treated in accordance with the requirements of...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 23 October 2007. The Convention against Corruption was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force on 14 December 2005. My...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (27 Nov 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a framework for development for the whole international community, involving cooperation between developed and developing countries, and are not confined to the G8. Their achievement will require a large push forward, not only by donors, but also by the developing countries which will benefit from a sustainable reduction in poverty. The MDGs...