Results 5,981-6,000 of 7,777 for speaker:Joe Costello

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: We raise these issues regularly at every level.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: Ireland acts in conjunction with the EU on sanctions. We have already made a strong stand on the guidelines and that has had an impact on the peace talks. In the context of what is happening, peace talks are under way and we hope that some progress will be made in that area. Meanwhile we will continue to raise the issue at the levels we can, including the EU and our position on the Human...

Other Questions: Nuclear Proliferation (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The Minister has had discussions with the French authorities on this matter. The possibility of a parliamentary visit is a matter on which the Oireachtas must decide. A high-level group from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament has visited Iran. If the Deputy wishes to seek informal advice from my Department on this matter, the officials there...

Other Questions: Nuclear Proliferation (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The Minister had a bilateral meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr. Zarif, at the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September last. They discussed a range of matters including the nuclear issue, sanctions, Syria, human rights and bilateral relations. The good news for Ireland is that Iran has agreed to remove the long-standing restrictions on beef exports from Ireland. This...

Youth Employment: Motion [Private Members] (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: That proposal was made last year.

Youth Employment: Motion [Private Members] (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: So did God. There is no five-day week for the Minister.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 136 to 138, inclusive, together. Current estimates indicate that Typhoon Haiyan has affected 13 million people across 41 provinces (representing over 10% of the country’s population), with up to 4 million people displaced. Official estimates indicate that at least 3,600 lives have been lost. However, it is likely that the full picture of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Irish foreign policy. The programme reflects the values and generosity of spirit of the Irish people and is a concrete expression of our determination to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Our new policy on international development - One World, One Future - maintains the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The protracted and tragic crisis in Syria and in neighbouring countries has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained and urgent response from the international community. As the number of fatalities moves towards 120,000, there are now approximately 9 million people who are in need of immediate life saving support. In addition to more than 6.5 million...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: Under Ireland's new policy for International Development – One World, One Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that economic development is compatible with human rights, including the right to decent work and our engagement in this area will be informed by, among other international standards, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Ireland has been a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Provision (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: Irish Aid works on behalf of the Irish people to address poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries in the world. Support to children and young people is an integral part of Irish Aid’s focus, and is mainstreamed especially through our health and education programmes. Support to our hunger programmes, which accounts for twenty per cent of the Overseas Development...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Provision (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: Ireland, along with our EU Partners, pursues a strategic and comprehensive approach to countries in Africa suffering the consequences of conflict or natural disaster. This approach encompasses political and diplomatic engagement, development cooperation programming, humanitarian assistance, and support for peacekeeping operations. The progress in African countries, particularly those...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Provision (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 147 and 155 together. As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to have a high level of assurance that our development assistance is fully accountable and that it makes a real difference to the lives of the world’s poorest people, reaches those most in need and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The situation in Sudan and South Sudan is monitored on an ongoing basis by the EU, the UN and other international partners. Ireland is working closely with our EU partners and others to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issues of human rights and humanitarian access to people and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The recruitment and use of child soldiers continues to be a serious problem and a matter of grave concern to Ireland and indeed the international community. The involvement of child soldiers has been reported in most recent armed conflicts and in almost every region of the world over the last two decades. Each year, the United Nations Secretary-General issues a report on children and armed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (19 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The Government remains fully committed to combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls. This is a key element of our human rights agenda. I will continue to advocate for this important issue at the regional and international level. Ireland has been a strong advocate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. We have taken a...

Government Decision on Exiting Programme of Financial Support: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: As was the case when the troika was first brought in.

Topical Issue Debate: Northern Ireland Issues (21 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: I know all Members of the House will agree these statements offer a timely opportunity to recall the suffering which so many victims and their families endured as a result of violence in Northern Ireland. In recent weeks we have marked painful anniversaries of horrific events, including the Shankill bombing and the murders at Greysteel. A recent publication, Lethal Allies, recalls...

Topical Issue Debate: Northern Ireland Issues (21 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: The timing of the announcement by the attorney general is indeed very curious in the circumstances Deputy Smith described. I agree with him entirely the needs of the victims and the bereaved are paramount. This has been a difficult year for Northern Ireland. It is clear the past is exercising a corrosive effect on political life and community relations. The ongoing issue of finding...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Oversight (26 Nov 2013)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together. Mozambique is one of the nine key partner countries for the Government’s development cooperation programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Ireland’s bilateral aid programme to Mozambique is governed by a five year country strategy (2012–16). The goal of the programme is to support...