Results 361-380 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (16 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The Opposition was satisfied for such people to be on the dole.

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (16 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: In the absence of more detailed information on the identity and the nature and activities of any such groups, I am afraid that I am not in a position to make a comment. With regard to the EU-Cuba relationship, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 179 of 10 November 2004.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: Mr. Adolfo Fernandez Sainz, a journalist, is one of 75 members of the peaceful opposition in Cuba, including other journalists, writers and doctors arrested in March and April 2003 and sentenced to prison terms of up to 28 years after a summary legal process that did not meet internationally accepted standards. Mr. Sainz was sentenced to 15 years and remains in custody, although seven of the...

Written Answers — State Visits: State Visits (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together. The Tánaiste and I held official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr. Huang Ju, in Dublin Castle, on 16 November 2004. During our discussion on EU-China relations, I raised our concerns over human rights with the vice-premier. I also recalled that a number of specific issues were being addressed through the EU-China human...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the advice of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the return of Iraqi asylum seekers. Asylum applications are assessed within an independent statutory framework. The advice of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on returns forms an important part of the assessment of cases. In the circumstances, I have not felt it necessary to discuss this matter with the Minister for...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 267 together. Sanctions or restrictive measures, including arms embargoes, are used by the European Union as a policy instrument, either as autonomous EU sanctions or in implementing certain resolutions of the UN Security Council. As a coercive non-military instrument, sanctions are generally employed to react to violations of international law,...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The General Affairs and External Relations Council discussed the issue of the EU embargo on arms sales to Libya at its meeting on 11 October, and decided to lift the embargo. Ireland agreed with our partners that it was important to recognise Libya's decision to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction programmes and its agreement to compensate victims of a number of terrorist attacks in...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The US authorities have already announced an investigation into the circumstances of the incident in question, and the soldier involved has been withdrawn from the area. In these circumstances, it is not necessary to make representations to that effect. I expect the US authorities to ensure that its forces operate at all times in conformity with international law.

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The use of Shannon airport by the US military is a long-standing practice which has been in place for several decades. On 20 March 2003, following an extensive debate, the Government decision to maintain the availability of these facilities was approved by Dáil Éireann. The US forces serving in Iraq are part of the multinational force operating at the request of the interim Iraqi...

Leaders' Questions. (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The veil is dropping.

Tsunami Disaster: Statements. (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I thank Members for their comments. Deputy Kenny referred to the need for additional medics. The WHO has stated that there is no need for additional medics, particularly in Indonesia where there was an avalanche of medics. Following such disasters, we always give people, particularly those in the public service, the opportunity to take time off to assist. It is not often I get compliments...

Tsunami Disaster: Statements. (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We are also preparing for the first time a White Paper on ODA, and the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, will lead on this. I will not take any lectures from Deputy Burton. Ireland is the eighth highest donor of ODA in the world. We have tripled it since 1997 and over the next three years, we will put in place €1.8 billion in ODA. Deputy Sargent referred to the meeting with the aid...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My understanding is that the specific organisations mentioned by the Deputy disbanded some time ago. The Deputy will be aware that the Good Friday Agreement is completely unambiguous as a statement of principles regarding paramilitarism. These principles apply to all the political parties in Northern Ireland. In particular, they include an affirmation of a total and absolute commitment to...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Government does not have any information on casualty figures in Iraq, other than those estimates by various commentators, which have appeared in the public domain. Nor does the Government have any means of assessing the accuracy of these figures, or of conducting its own investigation of the matter. However the Government's view, which has been expressed clearly since the outset of the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 441, 453, 454, 462, 463, 489 and 490 together, and to make a statement on these matters. As has been stated on many occasions, the Government takes concerns about human rights in China very seriously. Human rights issues are a constant point of discussion with the Chinese authorities at both the national and the European Union level. Dialogue on human rights...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Following the decision of the Government on 14 December 2004 to approve the introduction of passports containing biometric information, my Department has launched the procurement process for this project. A notice inviting firms to submit expressions of interest in the project was placed in the EU Journal on 17 December 2004. Based on the evaluation of these expressions of interest, a short...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 445, 460, 475, 481, 483, 484 and 486 together. The Government has allocated €20 million for the relief of the victims of the tsunami crisis. Some €10 million is additional funding to the budget for overseas aid announced in the Estimates for 2005. The remainder will come from the Government's emergency humanitarian assistance fund, which is...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen was elected President of the Palestinian Authority with a solid majority on 9 January. The EU election observation mission reported that the conduct of the election was generally satisfactory considering the difficult circumstances surrounding it. AbuMazen's election has been welcomed by the international community. President Bush has invited him to Washington, while...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My Department is aware of this case and is in contact with the representatives of the person to whom the Deputy refers. The Department will assist in any way possible in facilitating the return of the children to Ireland.

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (26 Jan 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Taoiseach telephoned President Mahmoud Abbas to congratulate him on his success in the elections. In the course of this call, he assured President Abbas of Ireland's continuing support for efforts to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This contact also gave an opportunity for the Taoiseach to re-emphasise Ireland's consistent concern for the situation of the Palestinian...