Results 5,561-5,580 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Last night, a private secretary in my private office worked until 11 p.m. Opposition Members never refer to that. It is all very well to publish figures about numbers of staff. Many people in the public service work late hours, above and beyond the call of duty, and do not get the acknowledgement for that kind of engagement.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We did actually.

Departmental Staff. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The question related to staffing generally. The Department has shown a commendable efficiency in how it has expanded its work and in reducing overtime and temporary workers. The vast majority of increased staff actually effected a significant reduction in temporary contracted staff in the Passport Office. The number of passport applications has greatly increased owing to additional...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The European Union operation in Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, was established for a period of one year from March 2008. It is playing a key role in ensuring the security of refugees and displaced persons living in camps along the eastern border of Chad, and in facilitating the provision of humanitarian relief, as well as in protecting the UN policing mission in the...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We abhor and are very determined to avoid a vacuum or any uncertainty arising. We shall be pressing very hard for clear decisions, not just a resolution but actually a clear pathway for the UN force coming in on the button, so to speak, so there is a seamless transition from EUFOR. However, there are issues to be considered and obviously the Minister for Defence will take the lead in terms...

Overseas Missions. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The security situation in eastern Chad is relatively peaceful. However, the rainy season will end in the coming weeks and that could bring about increased rebel activity, banditry and criminality, which has implications for safety and security and the overall secure environment EUFOR is seeking to develop. Operational Commander Nash is confident EUFOR is in a position of strength to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 30 together. The Government is committed to the full implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement, including the effective operation of all the Institutions — the Northern Ireland Executive, the North-South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council. The Taoiseach and I have conveyed that message to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I agree with the Deputy's proposition that this is a serious situation. The Executive has not met for three months, which, ultimately, has implications for people's confidence in the devolution process. Both Governments, therefore, are anxious that the Executive meets again and that devolution of policing and justice powers proceeds. I take the Deputy's point regarding the St. Andrews...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is our desire that the Executive meets and both Governments have been in constant contact and have been in touch with the political parties, which are aware of our desire and our perspectives on this. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Brown have been in constant contact on this. The Taoiseach has been involved with the parties and he has taken calls and had discussions with the First...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We are all anxious that the Executive meet. The House must acknowledge that all parties in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Féin and the DUP, have made tremendous strides to get to this point. Many have moved on a range of issues. We should never lose sight of the significant steps taken by all parties to having a devolved administration up and running on a power-sharing basis, with...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We have pursued many of these issues with the British Government, including inquiries into particular cases. On the broad political front, both Governments stand together regarding the impasse. From the beginning, our strong relationship has been a fundamental pillar of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. Deputy Higgins referred to Sinn Féin. While we would have preferred to...

Northern Ireland Issues. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Yes.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Since France took over the EU Presidency in July, I have accompanied the Taoiseach to two meetings with President Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Kouchner at which we had comprehensive and constructive discussions. Consequently, we have gained a good understanding of each other's position on key EU issues, which will serve us well as we prepare for the October and December European Councils at...

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: In the immediate aftermath of the June Council, there was an interesting discussion on social Europe. The President of the Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, was clear on the necessity for the European Union to demonstrate its relevance to its citizens in terms of expanded social programmes and so forth. I am not sure that the Deputy's depiction of the Union and its institutions is...

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Any country only holds the Presidency for six months. Given that only three months of the French Presidency have passed, we cannot blame France for all of the European Union's identifiable shortcomings. I am satisfied that the Commission is clear on the necessity to do more regarding the social agenda.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I agree with Deputy Creighton's point that we are a euro zone country. The role of the ECB has been important in weathering the storm over the past 12 months in providing liquidity to our banking system.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is a story that needs to be told. Every banking system has had major challenges, to understate it slightly, in the past few weeks. Ireland would have had those challenges far earlier if it was not for the ECB. Now is the time to be at the heart of Europe, not on the margins. I would be worried about going down an isolationist road, which would not be good for the country and could...

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I have made it clear that I respect the decision of the Irish people.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I do not.

European Council Meetings. (9 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: This refers to Deputy Creighton's point that other countries in Europe have a desire to move forward. We must reconcile the view in Ireland that we should be part of the EU with the dilemma faced by the EU from the decision not to proceed with the Lisbon treaty. We must make up our mind what to do and that will happen in due course. I prefer genuine engagement between parties in this House...