Results 5,341-5,360 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: We will continue to focus our efforts on securing a balanced outcome which takes account of the particular circumstances and challenges facing the agriculture sector, the opportunities presented for exports of our goods and services, and our commitment to promoting the interests of the world's poorest countries. We want to see a successful outcome to the negotiations that is fair to all...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I broadly agree with the Deputy. He is right that Ireland's engagement with, and performance in, the European Union has been based on brain power. I do not mean to sound arrogant when I say that. We have built alliances with key countries on specific issues. We have been involved in all issues and taken a genuine interest in them. We have shared the concerns of other member states when...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: There is a Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries. The existing model is potentially an effective way of representing this country's fishing and farming interests. Ultimately, we need to continue our collective dialogue with the two domestic interest groups mentioned by Deputy McHugh on the issues they have raised. Continuing dialogue and engagement is equally important in the...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Creighton referred to the CAP health check as a precursor to what will emerge from the WTO talks. She is right to suggest that we face a significant challenge in this regard. As I said earlier in response to Deputy O'Keeffe, we can negotiate from a position of strength if we build alliances and ensure that we are at the heart of things. We face significant challenges in terms of...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I offered the strong opinion, as did other countries, that we did not believe the conditions were ripe for a ministerial conference and that the package presented was not acceptable under any heading be it NAMA, emerging economies and so on. Several countries stated there that was no point in agreeing a deal simply to meet a particular timetable such as the conclusion of the presidential...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I thank all Members who contributed to this debate. I will emphasise one reality immediately. The outcome of the referendum was clear and must be respected. Clearly, the people were not persuaded of the necessity of the treaty or of the benefits to Ireland and Europe which it contained. A limited few at home and abroad have suggested the vote represents a questioning of our relationship...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: To what?

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The word "hope" certainly was intended in respect of steering the ship to safer waters.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: We are in a highly uncertain position.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I would not understate——

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: My experience since I was a child in the city of Cork means its motto, Statio Bene Fide Carinis, or safe harbour for ships, is embedded in my subconscious. I apologise for the reference to a safe harbour.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: From this comes a natural, optimistic kind of esprit de corps.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Great challenges lie ahead and the Government is by no means understating them. Ireland and the European Union are in a very difficult position. The Deputy asked about the timetable but I do not have one, as there is none. The Government has asked for time and space to analyse the underlying issues, both in respect of the campaign and underlying attitudes to the European Union. This will...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Yes, although the Lisbon treaty would have postponed this development until after 2014. Deputy Timmins then asked what was Ireland's position in respect of negotiations on this issue. To be frank, the Government is trying to draw breath. Obviously, like in all negotiations, it will try to represent Ireland's best interests and achieve the best we can from that scenario, but it is unclear.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: No. The Deputy asked what would be the attitude of our colleagues, were matters to remain as they are, and how they could go ahead without us. As I noted, this is not their desire. They certainly cannot proceed with the Lisbon treaty. However, a point that a number of commentators have been trying to make for some time is that the real issue should not necessarily be about the legalities,...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach would not countenance in any way a two-tier European Union. Many other member states would be against such a scenario. At the Council meeting on Monday many member states clearly articulated that it was something they would not entertain under any circumstances. The Deputy spoke about those countries that had ratified the treaty and those that were in the process of so doing....

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I really do not want to do so. We do not have a timetable for the consultations and practical steps to which the Deputy referred. We can obtain legal advice on the constitutional issue and those matters which merited a referendum and those which did not. However, there are always grey areas in a treaty. I will come back to the Deputy on the matter at a later stage. I agree with the...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Government policy is to ensure Ireland remains at the heart of the European Union. Arising from the vote and the decision of the people, we are examining how best we can ensure this. The legal position is that the Lisbon treaty cannot go ahead without 27 member states supporting it. However, rather than rush to hasty conclusions, we will have time to reflect and then map a definitive way...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: One can form a subjective judgment on how one can interpret the vote. I did not get a sense during the campaign that people wanted to move away from the European Union.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: They did not have to put it to the people, constitutionally. The way the debate emerged indicated that somehow the people had been denied. The degree to which parliamentary democracy was undermined in the debate was astonishing. Parliaments in parliamentary democracies are democratically elected but throughout the campaign during the last six weeks it was as if they were pariahs, unelected...