Results 6,601-6,620 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The Minister attaches the highest priority to the economic work of diplomatic missions. In the past year, a review of the Department's work in this area was carried out. A set of guidelines was issued to advance the economic objectives set out in the programme for Government. These guidelines reiterate that all missions have a role to play in promoting trade and investment; and that this...

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I agree absolutely with Deputy Timmins, particularly his last point. That is already happening. In Singapore, for example, the embassy has a small staff, but we have Ireland House there, along with Enterprise Ireland. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also has staff on the ground in Singapore. This is precisely the point being made by the Deputy of approaching in an...

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Deputy Timmins is making a very valid point. For example, there is abhorrence in Ireland to using retired politicians for anything. John Bruton currently represents Europe very well in Washington DC. Many people with much skill could be called upon. With regard to networking and using the resources available on the ground, Irish embassies are unsurpassed. The networks being established...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The reform treaty will be signed by Heads of State and Government, including the Taoiseach, on 13 December and is expected to be ratified by each member state before 1 January 2009. The Government has sought formal legal advice from the Attorney General on whether ratification of the treaty requires an amendment to the Constitution. It is anticipated that this question will be answered...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I disagree with Deputy Creighton's last point. I agree there must be a vigorous campaign and more positive media coverage. Last week's full debate, facilitated by Deputy Creighton's colleague, Deputy Durkan, got virtually no media coverage. That reality faces us. One broadcaster I approached told me it was too complex. I do not agree it is too complex. The treaty is a complex issue, but...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I have a date in mind, to which the Government has not yet agreed.

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Because of the complexity of this issue we would be foolhardy to rush into it. We must put in place a strategy to inform the Irish people, because when they are informed, they will vote "yes".

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 94, 111, 112, 114, 122 and 328 together. The Government welcomes the second visit by UN special envoy Dr. Ibrahim Gambari to Burma on 3-8 November, and his report to the UN Security Council on 13 November. Dr. Gambari has been able to point to some progress, with the regime's continued co-operation with his mission, particularly its appointment of a...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: He did.

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The point I was making with regard to the latter was that no further activity would be dealt with on the terms of diplomatic relations until there are substantial and sustained improvements on the ground. On whether it was wise to make contact in 2004, the benefit of hindsight is always great. However, the reality is that our ambassador designate went and met Aung San Suu Kyi and caused the...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I believe the latter item is covered. However, whether he will be successful is another issue. As the Deputy has repeatedly and correctly pointed out in the House, we are dealing with extraordinarily obdurate people in the Burmese junta, who care little for the international view of them, whether it is positive or negative. The reality is that in the Security Council and in that region...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The House will be aware from answers to previous questions, most recently on 23 October 2007, that the struggle against the heinous crime of trafficking in human beings is a matter of grave concern at national, EU and international level. On 11 October, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced a programme of measures on human trafficking that will lead to Ireland ratifying...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: As the Deputy mentioned the possibility, it struck me that it undoubtedly has some merit. However, I do not know of any technical problem that might arise. I will certainly draw the Minister's attention to the suggestion, which is helpful.

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I do not have any details. I note the Deputy's point about Deputy Higgins's suggestion.

Arms Trade. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, which dates back to 1998, is a politically binding document which governs the handling by member states of export licence applications for military goods and technology. The code contains eight criteria against which each application must be assessed before a licence can be issued. The EU has established best practice for the interpretation of each of...

Arms Trade. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I cannot give the Deputy details of when the last review of the code took place. There is a process of keeping the operation of the code under review. I do not disagree that there is something extraordinarily hypocritical about nations arguing about weapons of mass destruction when they are involved in the trade of small arms, which are the biggest weapons of mass destruction on this planet...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 87 together. The Government continues to be deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. The disastrous economic policies of that country's government have led to severe hardship for ordinary people. Those who seek democratic change in Zimbabwe are facing enormous obstacles. The efforts of opposition parties in Zimbabwe to organise are being...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Deputy Higgins is right to argue that the silence of a neighbouring country, particularly a neighbour like South Africa that has significant influence in the region, is regrettable. The Deputy also suggested that EU member states which have some power in the region should use it.

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I will mention that point to the Minister. While it has not been considered, it has significant merit. On Deputy Deasy's point, I do not think the merit of the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit should be assessed on the basis of the attendance of any given individual. It should go ahead regardless.

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Yes. We will be represented at the summit because we appreciate its significance. Relations between Europe and Africa are not determined by the actions of an individual.