Results 5,681-5,700 of 9,147 for speaker:Pat Breen

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Affairs Councils: Discussion with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: I do not expect the Minister to answer a question about the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Shatter, because I believe that the Cabinet has collective responsibility for Government on that issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Affairs Councils: Discussion with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: I thank the Tánaiste for dealing with these matters so comprehensively. I note the large attendance of members and of people in the Visitors Gallery. It shows that foreign affairs is top of the agenda in Ireland. The second matter to be considered by today's meeting is the departmental review of foreign policy and external relations. There is a vote in the Chamber. Does the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Affairs Councils: Discussion with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: We have four or five minutes if the Tánaiste's wishes to commence his presentation.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Affairs Councils: Discussion with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: We will finish as quickly as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: I apologise for the interruption in proceedings, which was due to a division in the Dáil. We will now proceed to a discussion of the review of foreign affairs policy and external relations that will be undertaken by the Department in the coming months. I call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, to make an opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: The committee has not discussed this matter yet but we do intend to discuss it in private session next week. The committee is anxious to have an input, to make a presentation and, probably, to hold hearings. Perhaps the Tánaiste's officials will liaise with the clerk to the committee in respect of this issue. The Tánaiste will be aware - from what transpired during the earlier...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: So the Tánaiste has no further comment to make at this stage.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: I will now open the floor to members. I appeal to them to confine themselves to asking questions because the Tánaiste has another engagement. I will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: That is fine. I will allow Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, who is in a rush to get to the Dáil, to ask her questions after Deputy Crowe.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: No, Seanad proceedings are not due not resume until 5 p.m. The Senator is fine. Everyone will have an opportunity to contribute.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: Please, Senator Norris.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: We cannot have that debate now.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: The Senator should stick to the point because two more speakers are waiting and the Tánaiste is anxious to attend the meeting. I ask the Senator to wrap up quickly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: The Senator should stick to foreign policy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: Senator, this is more of an issue for the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement than the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: The joint committee is discussing the review of foreign policy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: I ask the Senator to conclude.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: Senator, please. We want to move on with regard to the issue of foreign policy, rather than getting specifically involved on specific issues.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: We are getting involved in specific issues.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (4 Dec 2013)

Pat Breen: The joint committee is dealing with issues pertaining to the review of foreign policy, not specific issues.