Results 5,661-5,680 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: President Sarkozy has indicated that he is always available to come to Ireland.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: He enjoys robust debate at the best of times. I would say he would anticipate further robust debate even from existing candidates and maybe future candidates. In any event, he is available to come here but there has been no confirmation of when he may arrive again.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Human rights issues are a standard element in all discussions with the Government of China, including during the Taoiseach's meeting last week with the Chinese Prime Minister. I did not accompany the Taoiseach to China on this occasion. On a bilateral level, senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs engage in regular meetings with the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on human rights...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: If the Deputy provides further details on the individual applicant who is the subject of this question my Department would be happy to look into the circumstances of the case. Embassies abroad charge visa application fees in accordance with the Diplomatic and Consular Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2004. The fee for a single entry visa application is €60. Fees for translation of documents...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 340, inclusive, together. I have long been aware of the tremendous contribution of charities and individuals who have worked to help the children of Chernobyl. Once I became aware of possible restrictions on the children's travel, I arranged a meeting with Adi Roche of Chernobyl Children's Project International on 8 September to review the situation. I...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government consistently raises with the British Government ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles. This includes issues arising from the bombing in Omagh in August 1998 which resulted in appalling loss of life and injury. Following the recent revelations made by a BBC documentary relating to the Omagh bombing, I again raised our concerns with the Secretary of State for...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Foreign Affairs implements the following schemes involving awards to staff: the Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards and the Exceptional Performance Awards Scheme. Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards. The Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries...

Written Answers — Price Increases: Price Increases (30 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The only charges for services levied by my Department are in respect of consular and passport fees and these have not increased since 2005.

Written Answers — Anti-Racism Measures: Anti-Racism Measures (30 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the ongoing issue of sectarian behaviour at Scottish Premier League games. I am conscious of the distress and offence it can cause. Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on various issues. In recent weeks, the Consul General has been in close contact with senior officials in...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (30 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Together with our European Union partners, Ireland is closely monitoring investigations by the Colombian Supreme Court into the alleged association of members of Congress and Government officials with paramilitary groups in Colombia. Any association between elected representatives or officials and paramilitary groups is a matter of serious concern in itself, and also has the capacity further...

Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008: Order for Second Stage (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008: Second Stage. (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The principal purpose of this Bill is to make provision in domestic law for the obligations the State will assume under the Convention on Cluster Munitions. As the House will be aware, the convention was adopted by consensus at the conclusion of the Dublin diplomatic conference last May at Croke Park. It will be opened for signature at a...

Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008: Second Stage. (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The convention prohibits all types of cluster munitions that have ever been used in an armed conflict. Furthermore, following proposals made by the Irish delegation, the convention also prohibits explosive bomblets that are specifically designed to be dispersed or released from dispensers affixed to aircraft in the same way as it does cluster munitions proper. This is an extremely important...

Human Rights Abuses. (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Given how often it has been raised in the House and Seanad Éireann, both I and my predecessors have set out the Government's policy unequivocally, that is, we have always been totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition anywhere. The policy has not changed. The House will be aware that, last week, the Government decided to establish...

Tax Code. (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I thank Deputy Clune for raising this issue on the Adjournment. It is widely acknowledged that the Cork docklands project advanced by Cork City Council is potentially of major significance to the city itself. From the outset, the Government has also viewed it as a project of national significance. The council is to be congratulated on articulating an ambitious vision for the regeneration...

Tax Code. (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The allocation is being deferred for 2009.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The issue of extraordinary rendition has been raised on numerous occasions in this House. As has been made repeatedly clear, the Government is completely opposed to the practice of the extraordinary rendition of prisoners. I wish to reiterate at the outset that none of the various investigations into allegations of extraordinary rendition have revealed any evidence, or even resulted in a...

Written Answers — Racism in Sport: Racism in Sport (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the on-going issue of sectarian behaviour, including the singing of offensive songs, at Scottish premier league games and of the distress that this can cause. Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on issues. In recent weeks the Consul General has been in close contact with...

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: Responsibility for Irish foreign policy lies in the first instance with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Particular responsibility for policy on Overseas Development Assistance is assigned to the Minister of State for Overseas Development at my Department, Mr Peter Power, T.D. Minister Power oversees the Development Cooperation Directorate, a Division of my Department, which is responsible...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (4 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: There has been a substantial improvement in security in Iraq over the past eighteen months, although the level of violence remains quite high. Control of security has now been returned to Iraqi forces in all but five of Iraq's eighteen provinces. A large part of the improvement has been the general subsidence of inter-community sectarian violence. It is a matter of particular concern,...