Results 5,361-5,380 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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

Micheál Martin: Germany, for example, has legitimate historical reasons for not holding a referendum. Therefore, we cannot insist that the way we do things is the way everybody else should do their business. In the context of our written Constitution, there was an obligation on us to proceed in the way we did, but that does not mean we have to impose the way we do things on the rest of Europe.

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

Micheál Martin: As I said in reply to Deputy Costello, these are issues that we are examining. I shall put it this way to the Deputy: we have not decided on any option. We are examining and reflecting, but obviously shall take on board whatever is warranted.

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

Micheál Martin: The Deputy makes a fair point. It will be part of my policy to conduct a fundamental review, take steps and develop a programme that will facilitate an engagement with people on the European Union. I again stress that the barometer survey is preliminary, but it indicates that young people, apparently——

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

Micheál Martin: It will be published when all the data are finally put together. It seems young people voted against the treaty, two to one. That rings an alarm bell in terms of what Deputy Creed said about a disconnect. There is also a sense that, notwithstanding the fact that the campaign was very much conducted on the back foot, there was no instinctive enthusiasm. It appears that the European project...

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

Micheál Martin: It is above and beyond it.

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

Micheál Martin: I shall have to revert to the Deputy on that matter.

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

Micheál Martin: Legally, they cannot proceed with the Lisbon treaty without all 27 member states on board.

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

Micheál Martin: What we are discussing is hypothetical as regards what could happen and how other member states might proceed. At this juncture member states are seeking to resolve the issue in the best interests of the European Union, including Ireland. They value our continued membership of the Union. That will be the focus in the coming months to see whether we can find a way forward to resolve this...

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

Micheál Martin: As I said, we are examining and reflecting. When the Taoiseach said we did not have immediate answers, he was telling the truth, because prior to the referendum, we had said a "Yes" result would mean certainty, while a "No" result would mean genuine uncertainty. It was not the case, as I told a journalist, that we had the Lisbon treaty in one hand and an alternative to it in the other that...

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

Micheál Martin: I have dealt with some of these questions already. On the fundamental question of whether the onus is on Ireland primarily, it is on both Ireland and the European Union. We shall have to consult domestically and in the House. That is why I welcome this debate. I shall also be consulting the committees of the Oireachtas. In our examination of the issues involved, to be frank, the primacy...

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

Micheál Martin: Deputy Creed and other Members raised the issue of a disconnect which our European colleagues understand. It is not only an Irish issue. Across Europe there is a particular perception of the European Union and the need for it to get more into substance and policy.

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

Micheál Martin: The Lisbon treaty which addresses the institutions of the European Union has taken seven years to negotiate. Several issues were raised during the referendum campaign which must be analysed to determine how we should proceed.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law has always been a priority of successive Governments and is an important aspect of our foreign policy. Support for institutions and organisations that promote governance, democracy and human rights is an important element of Ireland's official development assistance programme. Together with our EU partners, the Government...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The events which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire more than ninety years ago continue to cast a shadow over relations between Turkey and Armenia, whose historical interpretations of these events have diverged sharply. The Turkish Government has proposed the establishment of a commission, composed of eminent academics, to investigate and...

Written Answers — Lisbon Treaty: Lisbon Treaty (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 79 together. The result of the referendum is, of course, deeply disappointing for all who argued in favour of ratification of the Lisbon Reform Treaty. However, the people have made their decision which must be respected. We will need time to analyse the result properly and to look for an acceptable way forward. The result of the referendum brings...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 98, 107 and 122 together. At the outset, I want to express the Government's strong welcome for the news today that Israel has confirmed its agreement to a deal brokered by Egypt for a ceasefire in Gaza, starting tomorrow morning. Deputies will be aware that the Government has been seriously concerned for some time about the dangerous humanitarian and...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government consistently raises with the British Government issues which are the legacy of the Troubles, at political level and through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast, as well as ongoing official contacts. As the Deputy is aware, there are many families still seeking answers and justice for lost loved ones, including the Ballymurphy cases. The question of how...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The United Nations missions in Chad and Sudan and the UN-authorised EU military mission in Chad, EUFOR Tchad/RCA are part of a multidimensional security and humanitarian presence in a region which has been seriously affected by the Darfur conflict, as well as by tensions within and between the two countries. There are two UN missions in Sudan: UNMIS, established in March 2005 to support the...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 102 together. The declaration of independence by the Kosovo Assembly on 17 February last marked the culmination of a lengthy final status process for Kosovo led by the UN Secretary-General's Special Status Envoy, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. In April 2007, after more than a year of talks involving Belgrade and Pristina, he produced his...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: As indicated in the reply to Parliamentary Questions 239 to 242 on 26 February 2008, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that he had asked the Secretary General of the Department to undertake a review of all aspects of the special passport facility for Members of the Oireachtas, including whether it should be continued in place. The Secretary General in March established a Committee...