Results 3,681-3,700 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (19 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Passport applications forwarded by members of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) are processed by a section of the passport office. This section also processes applications forwarded by, for instance, the Health Services Executive for children in their care. In 2007, and following further checking of our records, a total of 6,326 applications were identified as having been processed through...

Written Answers — Equity Stake: Equity Stake (19 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: My Department does not hold an equity stake in any companies.

Written Answers — Offaly Regeneration Company: Offaly Regeneration Company (19 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Offaly Regeneration Company Ltd was established in May 2000. The purpose of the company is to promote and advance economic and social development generally in the Midland region, and, in particular, in County Offaly, including through close co-operation with partner bodies in the US, Canada and Northern Ireland. It is a registered company, with no share capital and limited by the...

Written Answers — Regulatory Authorities: Regulatory Authorities (19 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: There are no regulators or regulatory authorities operating under the aegis or responsibility of my Department.

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (20 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Please find detailed below figures relating to the Freedom of Information Requests processed by my Department on an annual basis. The figures relate to the period from April 1998, which is when the legislation came into operation. 1998 (April-Dec) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (to date) 71 156 153 127 130 95 45 41 49 43 10 In addition, to the requests detailed above,...

Written Answers — Official Vehicles: Official Vehicles (20 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: At present, there are three vans in use by my Department in Dublin. These are Nissan Primastar vans, each with a diesel engine with a capacity of 1870cc. In the time available it has not been possible to compile a complete list of the Department's official vehicles abroad. However, I would point out that, since the beginning of 2006, carbon emissions have been taken into account in vehicle...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (21 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy will be aware, the European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The overriding objective of Ireland and our European Union partners, including Spain, in our relations with Cuba is to encourage, but not to enforce by external coercion, a process of transition to pluralist...

Written Answers — Ministerial Contacts: Ministerial Contacts (21 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: On 17 February, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declared Kosovo to be "a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law". It undertook to implement the obligations set out in the Ahtisaari proposal for a final status settlement, emphasising "those that protect and promote the rights of...

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Ring is the biggest hyena.

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Ring is the loudest one.

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Hear, hear.

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Hear, hear.

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Hear, hear. Absolutely.

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: What did John Bruton do?

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: He enjoys the confidence of the public as well.

Written Answers — Election Monitoring: Election Monitoring (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The situation in Zimbabwe is a matter of deep concern, and I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the way it continues to deteriorate. Ireland and the EU have supported the process of dialogue between the Zimbabwean Government and the opposition, facilitated by South Africa under a mandate from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The talks have not formally concluded, but...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 253 of 1968, which imposed mandatory sanctions on the illegal regime in what was then Southern Rhodesia, new passports, or the renewal of existing ones, were not processed in the period 29 May 1968 to 21 December 1979 to Irish citizens for emigration to Southern Rhodesia nor to those of our citizens residing in Southern Rhodesia...

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The setting of specific minimum requirements for taxis and taxi companies is of course a matter for the Taxi Regulator. Nevertheless, I am advised that 10% of the respective fleets of the two taxi companies used by my Department are accessible to people with disabilities and wheelchair users. The amounts spent on taxi hire by my Department for the period 2003 to date are outlined in the...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (26 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 242, inclusive, together. The Department of Foreign Affairs has always sought to be of assistance to Members of the Oireachtas, including in relation to passport applications, and I believe this is widely appreciated. The background to the special facility for passport applications submitted through Oireachtas Members and/or their Offices is that in the...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (28 Feb 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 29768/07 on 27th November 2007, in which I outlined my views on the potential for Irish engagement in conflict resolution activities in Sri Lanka. The Government would of course be willing to offer advice if sought by relevant parties but there remains little scope to do so in the prevailing situation there. I remain deeply concerned about the...